Nursing Student Friendliness Versus Friendliness of Students in other Majors.

Nursing Students General Students

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Hello all!

I have been a student in both a nursing program and a social work program.

I have noticed some differences within the cohorts of both nursing students and the social work students, and how the students seem to relate to each other differently.

There seems to be a difference in the level of competitiveness or "cutthroat" atmosphere of it all.

The students of one program seem to be overall, friendlier than the other. Also, more open minded, and less judgemental toward others.

Has anyone else experienced this, or is it just me?

I've been noticing the same sort of dynamic. I, too, majored in social work and I find myself burned out some days from lack of real connection with classmates. In my opinion it's due to my personality which drove me toward social work in the first place. In fact I've been told I'm GREAT at pt COMMUNICATION but that I need to get better at being silent so I don't miss any crucial cues pertaining to the ABCs. ;) In my class it really feels like I can't let my guard down, due to competition and cliques, and while that's usually fine...sometimes it's just not. Those who have study groups do it on the DL from everyone. Still not sure why. The best I can deduce is that they are scared to be accused of cheating because they are sharing work. It's just become the culture.

Specializes in Emergency Department.

First semester nursing student here. Everyone in my program is very helpful and friendly. We share notes and study materials and help each other out with the subjects we are god at. I feel far more connected with my fellow students that I have known for about 2 months than people I worked with for 19 years.

@ studentbear: I am glad that you are having a better experience in your BSN program good luck with your journey!

@ baby chickens: sounds like you were in a social work program before, and now you're in a nursing, is that right?

I too noticed that a lot of study groups will get together and share the work and sometimes share the answers to certain things that maybe they shouldn't have the answers to, and you're right that does seem to be the culture for many of the students.

Then, as a nursing student who thinks people should not be cheating, but should make it through the program knowing their stuff so they can keep their patients safe, if you try to say something then you're looked at like you're crazy.

I really get what you are saying about letting your guard down, or not being able to. I think I've witnessed many students feeling the same way, including myself.

I think it's okay if we don't want to let our guard down. If you're feeling it's not a safe place to do so, you're probably right. Just stay focused on the prize.

In regards to personalities; I have noticed that most of the nursing students are the same, or at least pretend to be , so they "fit in". I felt like the social work students had a little more diversity to their personalities.

@fdbmath:

I am glad you are having a nice, supportive experience in your program. I think there are many people in my program who would say they experience the same thing, but sometimes it seems that they feel that way because they are part of one of the group's I was talking about. So, I was wondering... would you say that your experience would be the same for everyone in your cohort, or program?

Specializes in Emergency Department.

I would guess it is the same for all. I don't see anyone being ostracized or left out and everyone seems to move easily between any groups. As for the groups themselves, they are just about what bench you are on during breaks and they are pretty fluid.

That's good! People learn so much better when they can go to school without the worries of social stress:)

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