How much is too much when your class has uninvited guests?

[Blueorchid, ASN, RN]

Alright, so I know that a very large percentage of the students in nursing school are hard workers. We want to do well and we want to achieve...you really can't get through nursing school otherwise (for the most part- I know there are a select few that do). But I think there comes a point where people are trying too hard and just need to relax, and then there are also a few gems that get to a point where I actually get annoyed about their actions...and then there's this guy.

While said nursing student hasn't actually gotten past the annoying stage yet, I'm very edgy about him taking things too far to the point where I actually do get angry and would thus like some input on how I should act.

This is a second semester nursing student that spends a fair share of his time talking with the first semester newbies (that'd be me) but he isn't actually imparting any new knowledge, he's just showing off. He prefers to spend his time interrupting my classes holding us up for five minutes so the teacher can notice him and comment on how he's there only to shout "Go Patho!" and leave. Or, he shuffles down the stairs to sit right in front of the teacher and question them about information that I know isn't on any of my slides or related to the subject and thus has no relevant purpose to me because I haven't taken second semester classes.

I also don't want to see said student hanging out in open labs where the people who are supposed to be teaching me are TAs that already have a bachelors degree only to provide me with irrelevant information on my validations. Fortunately I didn't listen to his "advice" but I know he isn't instilling confidence in others and one girl he was talking to had to retake her test. Whether this was directly involved with what he told her I'm not sure but she didn't seem confident after he basically out-questioned and over-thought her each and every move.

The third and final thing, which irks me the most is when said student heads over to the library to "check in" on my class. Whenever I get out of an early lecture and kill some time before lunch or my next class he's always there going from table to table and asking us what we're studying with a nod or a shake of his head. As if I'm in study hall or he owns the nursing school. Lectures and labs are one thing, but if you're actively seeking my class out when you're not in the building...what exactly is your reason?

This rare gem is the only one of his kind that I've seen essentially stalking my nursing class. Most of the time I wonder what his own classmates think of him if he follows us around so much, I'm sensing a serious lack of confidence issue there so I can be sympathetic up to a point. However I don't really don't want this trend to continue past the first semester and I certainly don't want him taking up my time and money when I know we have a lecture that's already going to push the class to the very last minute. It hasn't happened yet, but just because I feel sorry for the guy doesn't mean I'm willing to let it.

What I'm not exactly sure about is how to settle this problem or to just ignore it and hope it eventually goes away. At the moment its not much more than an annoyance but I take my school very seriously. The teachers also seem to encourage his behavior by pointing him out which just feeds this attention complex. Should I go to the administration perhaps or just let it slide? I think he may have been a little rattled by the "get out of our class," comments that peppered across the room today and rumor has it someone passed him a rather rude message as well. I don't want to go so far as to relive high school with little notes, but I would like the message to get across and for this to stop before it becomes a real problem

What do you guys think? I apologize this is so long as well

[Skeletor]

Concerning yourself with tools like this should be the last worry you have while in nursing school.

[Mommycakers]

My first impression is that you really can't change other people. You can only control your own actions. If he approaches you just let him know you are fine and do not need his assistance. The instructor's may appear to encourage his behavior because maybe they are aware of a problem he has that is not public knowledge. Maybe he has Asperger's and does not have the social skills that other people have and in that case he would never realize he is bothering people.

If his disruptions are affecting the performance of the class maybe it couldn't hurt to have your class president bring it up the your nursing school director privately. Then the director or one of his teacher's could approach him privately to try to curb his behavior. I wouldn't want him to be embarrassed or hurt in front of all your fellow students. It doesn't sound like he is deliberately trying to hurt other people here.

I have a son that has Asperger's and he is having such a hard time trying to make friends. It is heartbreaking. He needs to be taught how to be a friend, it does not come naturally. I am not saying this person has Asperger's but he could have some other problem so try not to look at it like he is this awful person.

[Blueorchid, ASN, RN]

I never said I thought he was an awful person. I find his disruptions annoying yes and I don't want to publicly embarrass the guy if I don't have to. But I'm not one that's going to beat around the bush if its affecting my studies- he's already taken the class and the way he's going about doing things is mainly a show. I do suppose there could be something the teachers know about there that they aren't sharing with us. But frankly I don't think the student has Aspbergers, particularly since I've worked with an EMT that had it- if he does I would be absolutely floored.

The point of that lengthy OP was to explain that yes, he's doing enough things its coming to a point where his behavior is "not okay." I'm ignoring it for now but I don't want it to get to a point where things are really bad and it actually does become a problem.

[Mommycakers]

Sorry, I was just giving you my opinion. I shouldn't of used the word awful then I just was trying to get across not to look at it like he is this bad person out to annoy the class. Since Asperger's in on such a wide spectrum one person who has it is not just like another person who has the condition. Many go undiagnosed so who knows. I know someone who I am convinced has it but he was never been diagnosed. His teachers make special allowances for him. They give him his own designated time to talk to his class everyday so that way he is not constantly interrupting the class with what he has to say. He knows he has his own time. This is what the teachers have found that works with this one child so when I read your post I immediately thought of that situation.

[chevyv, BSN, RN]

I'm in 4th semester and don't have time to 'check' on other classes of ns! I would honestly bring it up to my instructor after class. If it doesn't help, hopefully you can ignore him and make yourself scarce when he comes by you. Stick your nose in a book and let him know this is your study time because your so busy outside of class. I can't imagine a student doing this and liking doing this. It does seem very irritating!

[truern]

First impression: he's totally lost in his class and only feels knowledgeable/respected/superior when compared to the newbies. Sort of like the NS top honors student that finds themself at the bottom of the totem pole once they begin working as an RN.

If you look past his annoying behaviors and try to understand "why" he does what he does, then maybe he won't be so annoying. :)

[kcochrane]

I'm trying to wrap myself around the teacher's allowing this person to be in classes that he doesn't belong in??? I've never seen this, but I know my instructor's would politely tell him to leave if it wasn't a class he was registered for. There isn't enough time to get through the stuff we have to as it is.

IMHO, this doesn't sound like someone with Asperger's at all. They usually don't seek out attention like that. Sounds like someone either with a self-esteem issue or a need for attention. And although it is ok to feel sorry for him, it is not ok for him to be taking up valuable time in class.

I don't think any student should be attending classes they don't belong in. You probably can't do much about the open lab or library except to nod and smile. But I would talk to the instructor (s) if he is taking up time that is needed to get out information/new content. This is something they should be taking care of. It can done politely without hurting feelings.

Oh, I forgot, our library has private rooms that you can sign out for an hour or so, maybe yours has one too???

[NoviceRN10]

You could ask him not to interrupt you, but you can't control what he does or who he talks to or bothers all over campus.

[NStiger88]

Okay, if he is disrupting your class and, as it sounds, you are not the only one who thinks hes freaking annoying (i know i would) then I would definetly say something to your instructor. Maybe go see him after class, and Say "can you explain this to me again, I couldn't really understand what you were trying to explain because that second semester student kept interrupting..." or something like that. then you could nicely bring up that you and others find him disruptive and think he should not be coming to your class because he has his own classes!

I know what you mean with this situation because I have a girl in my class that does something similar. She is always walking around in anatomy lab (she's not even in our lab, shes in the other lab) asking people if they need help. I have witnessed MULTIPLE times her going up to people and explaining something (eventhough they did not ask for her help), but what she is saying is COMPLETELY WRONG! we can't really say anything to our teacher since she is in our class so I just ignore her when she comes over to our cadaver tank.

from the way he sounds, i doubt there is something wrong with this guy, he is probably the type of person that likes to show off...if he does this again i would definetly say something to the instructor or someone else who can do something about the situation

[slinger09]

In cases like this I prefer direct over therapuetic conversation. If you think he is an interruption to your education, tell him so. Most people do not come around if they know they are not wanted.

[AOx1]

Maybe just be direct as the previous post mentions, and say, "John, it's nice that you like to help. Right now, we are wanting to have a quiet study session/group member only practice session/etc but we will be sure to let you know if we would like your help. Thanks."

As the OP mentioned, he may feel insecure, and feeling "needed" boosts his esteem. I also agree with the private study rooms, or maybe even asking the instructor to set up a formal program such as peer mentoring, so those who want the assistance can get it, and those who don't will not be bothered. Or ask them to set up a room at the school for quiet study only. If he still won't leave, plop up a sign that say "Study group in session- quiet please!"

Also, your instructor should do something about the interruptions during the first part of classes. I don't allow anyone other than class members into my class sessions without prior permission and a good reason (ex- to make an announcement, etc) and I also shut the door when class starts. I don't allow anyone to enter after that time; it's disrespectful of those who arrived on time and are trying to concentrate. Any stragglers may come in at the next break. If the instructor uses the same rules for all, he or she can simply enforce the rule, tell him he must have permission to enter the classroom, and politely ask him to leave. This way it isn't a personal attach on this student, just a standard set for the entire class.