Finishing program but very hurt and disappointed

Published

Ok, so I have to vent. I am completing my LPN program next week. A classmate has just informed me that despite the fact that ALL of us have worked VERY hard in order to pass the program, only a select few will be receiving special awards. I can understand receiving an award for having the highest GPA. But to receive an award for being the instructor's favorite at clinicals? That is a bit too much. Throughout this year I have watched teachers pick on certain students and yet allow others to get away with just about anything. I am so hurt and disappointed with my school. I do not recommend it to anyone. Has anyone else experience this and if so, how do you move on and not be hurt? I really don't want to even attend our pinning ceremony.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

You might need to explain why you would be hurt that only a select few will be receiving special recognition. Does it need to be like kids sports where every kid gets a trophy at the end of the semester? Do you feel there should be objective data used to award the special recognition? IMHO, if you're hurt, stay home but I wouldn't let hurt feelings take the graduation experience away from me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

Sounds like it'd be appealing toward children :) I wouldn't worry about it, no point in getting sensitive over it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My CNA course had a separate award for classroom and clinical. Classroom was easy, highest scores got it, but clinical always is the student that the instructor feels does the best job in clinical. If they show some kind of favoritism, although unlikely, there really is nothing to be done. I assure you, none of this has any meaning when it comes time to get the jobs. Enjoy your graduation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU.

The best way to move on and not be hurt is to realize that in the real world not everyone gets a trophy for doing what is expected of them.

The best thing you can do is realize that you aren't getting an award, others are, but it won't have any effect on how good of a nurse you will be. It doesn't matter in the scheme of things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
The best way to move on and not be hurt is to realize that in the real world not everyone gets a trophy for doing what is expected of them.

The best thing you can do is realize that you aren't getting an award, others are, but it won't have any effect on how good of a nurse you will be. It doesn't matter in the scheme of things.

This.

Trust me, an award doesn't mean anything, on a résumé; a license is what matters.

Enjoy your accomplishment and move on to obtaining work and passing the NCLEX.

Best wishes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

Not everyone gets a trophy. All of us in my program worked hard to get the grades and pass the program. In some way, we all should have gotten a trophy. Less than 10 (closer to 5) of some 40 of us got some kind of special recognition from the program itself, even though most of us graduated "With Honors" or better. Here's the deal... you can get great grades but if your clinical skills aren't so great, you're probably not going to be "noticed" by the nursing staff at the hospital or your CI. You can have so-so grades but be an absolute rock-star in clinical and everyone working around that student knows it. If you're not on that floor, you'd never see that.

Would I have liked to have been recognized with some kind of tangible award? Sure. I know that my own clinical skills are quite good... but there were some areas that I consciously was slower at because I wanted to ensure that I did things right so I wouldn't fail the course. I clearly achieved my goal as I graduated, but my caution (and lack of speed) certainly likely cost me any chance of an award. I'm OK with that as well because graduation was my goal. Trophy collecting wasn't.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in General.

I find it hard to believe that any one would get a award for being the favorite student in clinical . This just sounds like sour grapes . Trust me in the real world of nursing you won't get noticed for what you do. Put on the big girl pants .

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

You may know you don't have the highest GPA, but how do you know you won't be one of the "select few"? Since your classmate informed you of this, how do you know ahead of time who will receive the Teacher's Favorite Award?

I wouldn't be upset about not winning an award you figure is rigged by the the teacher's pet system anyway! Congrats and just enjoy the achievement of your pinning and graduation!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

I'm afraid that you're in for a very rough transition to nursing practice.

You'll spend most of your time answering for things that go wrong, and will receive precious few recognitions for doing great work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.

Honestly, who cares? Isn't the objective of nursing school to pass so you can sit for the state board exam?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

I'm not understanding why you feel hurt. Did you think EVERYONE would be receiving a "special award"? An award isn't an award nor is it special if everyone gets one. That's why only one person wins the Academy Award for each category every year. This is real life, not everyone gets a trophy for showing up or trying hard. And I honestly doubt there is an award that is granted based on sucking up to the teacher.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion