Suggestions for encouraging boyfriend in his nursing education

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

My boyfriend is currently going through the RN program at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland Tennessee. He didn't pass his first semester, and even though he remains positive, I can see that it's doing a number on his self confidence. He never really had to work hard to make good grades before, and I have NO idea how to encourage him through his education process. I love this man with all my heart, and want to see him be happy by realizing his dream to become an RN. Any suggestions how I can support him and encourage him?

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Specializes in ER; HBOT- lots others.

What kind of support would you want? that is where i would start. but then sit and talk to him about what HE needs from you. ask him what you can do to help him study or learn or what he needs to be successful.

gl to him and you!

-H-RN

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Tell him to get right back up, and start again! Keep on keeping on is what I say. He isn't the first person to not pass the 1st and won't be the last! A girl in my semester( which is 3rd) failed fundamentals her 1st semester and hasn't failed a thing since. So just because you fail one class does not mean you will fail the others.

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are you financially supporting him?

that could be a start :).

tell him to take his time & to not stress...that you have everything else

under control. let him know that he doesn't need to worry his pretty lil' head about anything except his nursing classes.

play flashcard games with him.....offer to study with him. i know men can be prideful..so maybe you can "trick" him into not realizing that you are "assisting" him lol. ;)

find out what his hardest classes are...then perhaps suggest that he takes those ones alone in a semester...that way he can focus 100% on them and definitely pass :D.

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Something tells me that you are more than supportive, possibly even pushing him-mothering a bit? You are a nurse, you pick up on people's needs- certainly we bring this quality into our own lives.

Unfortunately, it's a rather negative quality. He is responsible for himself. You need a partner who has aspirations and the will to carry them out. If nursing isn't his cup of tea, encourage something else. But I don't know how many R.N.'s have guys leeched onto them cuz of the salary. And droppping out the first semester!?- you can't change dudes.

Don't play games, or "trick" him. Be straight up- tell him, "move foward with your life or I'm gonna have to re-think this relationship."

Don't let anyone hold you back.

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Specializes in SICU, Burn Unit, PACU, CCU.

make reviewing fun for him.. find out ways in order to encourage him to review dilligently..

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Be encouraging but dont make it your sole occupation to spur him along. Focus on your dreams and goals too.:nuke:

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Specializes in ICU.

I just drove through Cleveland, TN on the way to my parents' place in north GA. Small world!

You mentioned that your BF never had to work hard to earn good grades before. Nursing classes can be VERY different from prerequisite classes, especialy if they throw in a lot of "NCLEX-style" questions. It's no longer a simple matter of cramming facts & dumping them on the test.

He may need help in developing a style of studying, and also some help in learning how to read the oddball nursing style test questions (I call it "picking the least crappy of the 4 crappy choices listed below").

Good luck!

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