Fitting In

[ziggysgal,RN]

I am a non-traditional (38) student in a 12 month LVN program at a satellite campus in a small town. I haven't lived in this town for long and don't really know anyone... moved here from a larger town about 45 minutes away...

Ordinarily, I can get by without worrying too much over social woes... my life is very busy with home and family and such that I seldom have time to give myself to building friendships. The past 4 weeks, though, I've been immersed in the completely different culture of nursing school.

A lot of effort is team based... but... I don't really feel connected to any of my classmates. When we do team activities, I can easily pair up with anyone for the purpose of the activity. I guess that's all that really matters, right?

groups have formed for after school activities.. people eat lunch together in our incredibly small lunch area.. but I find myself eating lunch alone because I just have nothing in common with my classmates (tried communicating in the first week and found this out pretty quick)... I can't hold a conversation over lunch so I avoid it. I don't have time to participate in get togethers after school or on the weekends, so I don't go. (I genuinely study for about 25 hours a week and have a home and family to take care of..)

So what's the point?

Sometimes I feel like I might be missing out on that aspect of nursing school. Everyone seems to be having loads of fun.. with plenty of stories about it the day after... and I am here practically always with a book at the end of my nose.

Academically, I am doing well... Clinically, I am doing well... but am I missing out on the interaction lessons?

How do I get involved? I can't get excited about partying, what's on TV (don't even watch), etc... because I've always got more reading that I need to do... or housework.. or time with my kids... or appointments... or a million other things.

Or am I really not missing out on much and just need to let it go and refocus.

[caliotter3]

I was further isolated by the fact I was a single mother and had an hour and a half commute along with a full time job and from one to two other jobs throughout school. As school progressed the group BS increased and I found myself being resentful of being pushed into the necessity of going even further in the opposite direction to get to other student's places for these oh so useful group "work" meetings. When I brought it up to instructors, I was criticized for the situation. I told the people involved straight up that I was obviously discriminated against and not one person would concede that at least once the blankety blank meeting could be held at my house. This was part of my introduction to the world of nursing. Gang up on the one that is kept out of the group. I have a bad taste in my mouth more than 20 years later. Keep up with your responsibilities. You are missing nothing I can assure you. BTDT

[CharlieT]

"always with a book at the end of my nose...Academically, I am doing well... Clinically, I am doing well... "

Sounds to me like you are focused where you should be. Carry on future nurse!