Crossing Boundaries

[silverhalide]

I just want to get some feedback on an experience I had a couple days ago.

So yesterday, we had to do one of our final assessments on a classmate. One of us had to be the nurse, and then the patient and then switch etc.. So basically all through people's assessments, people are laughing and telling jokes etc..I mean it's nerve wracking enough being up there, that completely breaks your concentration. Lack of respect. The teacher does nothing to hold the class together. I mean, I am all for having fun etc.. but there is being respectful etc.. anyway, so it's my turn for my partner and I and I am playing the patient. Anyway, she says "you are really too skinny, etc.." and then I hear wheezing in your lungs etc..(which I don't have) and it might be in jest, but it basically came across very rude and was totally crossing boundaries.. It goes against everything that the program is trying to teach and the teacher said nothing. She just laughed and said "well are you healthy?" Isn't that crazy? During my whole assessment, I could hardly hear anything because people were just sitting there being all loud and talking. I think all of these girls in this glass just sit and gossip about people and try to kiss up to the teacher and get a good grade that way. It's nuts. it's just that little class, and don't care what people think, but it sort of shocked me. I mean, these people are training to be nurses, it's scary. They aren't going to last long because most of the other teachers would never put up with that. I just was shocked, I heard my partner make a rude comment about someone else as well. Thank God this 7 weeks is almost done and I will be able to move on to another class with another teacher/group of people. I love my other teachers, but this one is the pits. I wouldn't put it past her to fail people just because she doesn't like them.

I feel that this experience crossed boundaries. You are already in a vulnerable position acting as a patient in front of the class, and to comment on my body, ask me if I am sick (which I am not, I have always had a fast metabolism) is humiliating. This goes against everything about therapeutic communication, privacy, respect etc.. that the program is teaching, and apparently some of the students and faculty are not taking it seriously. Jesus, it's really scary, the thought of these kinds of people with this mentality are wanting to become nurses.

anyway, I am just going to do my thing and not worry about it. I am thinking of writing a letter anonymously to the Director when I am done with the class.

Another thing I am noticing is that, I think because of the 80% you have to get on tests/class to pass, it's bringing out some really immature, catty behaviors in people. People asking your grades, cliques, gossip etc.. It's like the more people feel threatened the more they start regressing and acting like they are in junior high. Sad really. This isn't a competition.

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience or any advice.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

So sorry you had such a bad experience. I re-read the post and was trying to figure out how the class was arranged. What was the point? Were you really supposed to be doing physical assessments?

Anyhoo - you are correct in assuming that no matter what area you're focusing on, there are basic principles that should be enforced and role modeled. One of the most fundamental is to ensure respect and dignity for the patient. That does not seem to be the case in this instance.

On a more practical note, you simply cannot do an adequate physical assessment in an environment that's too noisy to hear breath, cardiac & bowel sounds. I hope that this was not part of your grade. How could the instructor evaluate your skills if everyone was just 'faking it'? hmm - very strange.

[silverhalide]

We were on evaluated head to toe assessments. we had a bed in the middle of the room and everyone evaluated you along with the instructor. We worked with a partner. So basically one would go first (do the assessment and you would play the patient) and then switch.

Good question -- I am still trying to figure out how you are supposed to hear bowel sounds with all that noise. Yes, the whole experience was very unprofessional. I didn't allow it to break my concentration though.

[MiaNursingStudent]

Another thing I am noticing is that, I think because of the 80% you have to get on tests/class to pass, it's bringing out some really immature, catty behaviors in people. People asking your grades, cliques, gossip etc.. It's like the more people feel threatened the more they start regressing and acting like they are in junior high. Sad really. This isn't a competition.

Unfortunately, I have had the same misfortune. Last semester I was PURPOSELY kept out of a certain study group because one of the girls didn't like me and studying for nursing classes solo can be difficult. So, as my husband told me to do- I made the best of it. I study on my own, and yes, it takes a lot of time (especially when I have to google explanations when I could just have someone tell me how a system works), but I think it has actually made me learn the material. That girl that didn't like me even cussed me out after one exam because she disagreed with the answer that I put down on a certain question! Serves me right for even talking to her.

On the recent exam I scored at the top of my class, and I told one person what I made (bad idea) because I had nearly every student in the class interrogating me about my study habits, trying to schedule study sessions with me, and even griping at me because there was no curve on the exam. I just tell them, "I'm sorry, I don't do study sessions- I find I learn better on my own". My advice to you-- don't get involved with cliques, you're not in nursing school to make friends (although lifelong friendship will spawn from this) you're in nursing school to learn how to be the best nurse you can be!

[itsmejuli]

Wow, that instructor is totally unprofessional. I would have been in the Dean's office right after her first class if she didn't have it under control.

Just ignore the jerks in your class, you are going to school for you...not anyone else.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Why are you doing final assessments in front of the class anyways? We had to schedule a time with our instructor to come and perform it.