Feeling inadequate?

[EmergencyChocolate]

Many of my classmates are very cut-throat/perfectionist-type people. I appreciate their determination to perform well, but I can't help but to compare myself to them and feel inadequate. My professors say that I work hard, I perform well, and I am very passionate about what I do - I am happy to hear that and take pride in it. However, considering the culture of my program, it seems like everyone is. If everyone is a hard-working, passionate student with a 3.5-4.0 GPA how am I any different? How am I special? What is my value, and what do I contribute? How can I make myself stand out?

[BeccaC623]

You say that they're cut-throat and perfectionists and do well academically, but how are they with the other side of nursing? The compassion, people skills, listening, intuitiveness?

[malenurse69, MSN, NP]

You say that they're cut-throat and perfectionists and do well academically but how are they with the other side of nursing? The compassion, people skills, listening, intuitiveness?[/quote']

Believe it or not some people can be competitive top notch academic students AND be compassionate listener etc.

To the OP: you stand out by standing for your own beliefs and not trying to homogonize to other's way of doing things. This shows you are confident and stand by what you believe in. I would start doing volunteer work and maybe even pick up a part time hospital job to show you're interested in the field etc.

[BeccaC623]

Believe it or not some people can be competitive top notch academic students AND be compassionate listener etc.

Never said they couldn't. I gave that as a way for the OP to look at potential differences. Sometimes the best people academically lack those qualities, it's just how it is.

[krisiepoo]

quite honestly, while you are in school I would do as little as I could to stand out. I would keep my head down and continue being my awesome self. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing because in the end, YOU are responsible for YOU.

[bfree1001]

I think you stand out by night feeling the need to stand out. Who do you want to notice you? If the professors can comment on your performance then you aren't lost in a sea of students. I call it the "gold star" mentality. Some of my classmates have it too. They want a gold star sticker everytime the do something right. It's not necessary and it sets you up to feel slighted when no one pats you on the back and says "good job".

Honestly maybe you could find a way to be okay with not standing out but giving your best. I'm

A student as well but one day when I'm a nurse, I will be a part of a team. And who cares if a patient says thank you, or notices me? I don't care if they can't remember my face or name. My focus is saving their life, or providing then the best competent care I can.

Nursing school is no different. I don't care if the professors or students shower me with compliments on my performance. I still get good grades and I'm perfectly fine with not being noticed. So maybe a change of perception is all you need?

[Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN]

I would not worry about other students. Focus on your learning. Everyone is in nursing school to learn and do their best. Some may hope to pursue a masters and grades play a very important role with getting in a grad program. I work really hard to do well in school. I hope to make As as well as retain the information so I can apply it during clinical. I also hope to get my masters. I'm not competing with everyone else, but I am competing with myself. I set goals and try to accomplish those goals. We can compare ourselves to others, but why? We could say that perfectionist people are not compassionate and lack common sense, but why? Sometimes people just make up excuses for other people just to feel better about themselves and build up their own ego. Forget about everyone else! Who cares! Set your own goals and be proud when you accomplish them! IF not, work harder. Challenge yourself by your terms not everyone else's. Good luck!