Feel isolated in school

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I recently returned to nursing school and feeling very isolated in school. I'm slightly older by 2-3 years and the only student that is of a different race than the rest of the calss. Most students seem to know each other from their work. Of the students that don't work together, they are all of the same race. I tried to reach out to a couple people but got some really cold / rejecting comments. Has anyone been in similar situations? When I'm the only one that looks different in class, I couldn't help but to feel that I stand out like an eyesore!:sniff:

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Specializes in NICU.

I found some of the same issues....being older, not working with other students, not "hanging out" with the cliques, etc. Over time, I found that if I put myself in a "visible spot," and just left myself open to conversation, people who were feeling the same way I was feeling just kind of...showed up. Those are the people I still talk to today.

There's some comfort in knowing that nursing school is very brief, in the grand scheme of things. Sadly, you have to face some of the same challenges when you find a job. So far, the same approach has worked. I make myself...approachable, and try to be patient.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Oncology.

Hang tight, it will get better. It took me awhile to make friends in college, and I didn't really have friends in nursing school the first year. After that, however, I made some great friends and now have some of the best friends ever from nursing school. Once the program gets rigorous, you won't be isolated. They say misery loves company.

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Hang in there. Be yourself and focus on the work you have to do. The rest should come in time.

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Specializes in Ortho, Case Management, blabla.

I was the exact opposite. I didn't socialize that much because the vast majority of my classmates weirded me out. I was in healthcare for a long time (4 years) prior to nursing school and a lot of the super-happy idealistic people really put me off ("I'm SO EXCITED TO BE A NURSE EVEN THOUGH IVE NEVER WORKED IN HEALTHCARE IN MY LIFE!!!" you know the type). If there was a potluck I'd skip class early, never joined the student nurse association, etc etc.

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Hey I feel the same way!! I was actually just thinking about it last night in class. When I start a new class it always seems like everyone is in there with a friend so everyone is already partnered up and I am always alone. I don't even have a lab partner right now.

By the way, I'm not a different race or anything so I don't think your situation has much to do with that.... I'm white, and I am 26 and still have the same problem!!

Sometimes I think it's better this way because I like doing things on my own like looking at slides and stuff because I get more time...but then again I don't get to do as much hands on because if we are sharing a station or something, I feel like Im just always looking over someones shoulder.

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Specializes in medicine and psychiatry.

I discovred early on that Nursing is a lot about personalities. Lots of, "clicks". It took some getting used to. I personally don'nt care to get involved in all of that. It is very distracting. It can also be damaging to ones self confidence. Remain open. If they don'nt come around it is surely their loss.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I agree with the poster who said, "be yourself". You are unique. I never fit in anyplace, either, for a lot of reasons. I have learned, that is ok, and in some cases, a compliment. Just hunker down; you are there to learn, not to be a member of a clique. Find those who do have something in common with you and try to form relationships with them. Be helpful to all and stay out of the gossip/rumor mills. Nursing school is almost a microcosm,if you will, of nursing in real life. I remember my first weeks in my new job----certain people literally set me up to fail. I used to get severe stomach cramps just thinking of going to work. Then, I realized their games, and called them on them and told them I would do a hell of a lot more good as a team member than a new nurse who did not know what to do in an emergency. I faced what bothered me and just did my best and it paid off.

In the end you only have you; Just be yourself, do your best for you and your patients and you shine for who you are. The ones who don't matter, you are not there to impress, anyhow.

Hang in there. I hope things get better, soon!

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Specializes in medicine and psychiatry.

Excellent advice SmilingBluEyes!

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