How do you deal with a nursing instructor who is a bully, uses intimidation tactics, has an enormous amount of power and is completely unprofessional and unfair? I find myself "blacklisted" for no reason, and I feel like quitting everyday. I am able to maintain a B average in nursing and A&P, but if being a nurse means dealing with people like this--I just don't think I have the stomach for it. I wouldn't let this nursing instructor take care of my dog. She is an absolute disgrace to her profession and is not caring or thoughtful. It's so frustrating, as nursing school is difficult enough, without having your instructor making life even more miserable. I understand that nursing school is like a "boot camp"; however, this behavior I am dealing with is just so over the top. Another note, this nursing instructor's reputation precedes her: for the past 2 years--other nursing students have warned me about this instructor, and currently I would estimate about 90% of the nursing students think she is horrific. Even others that work at the school have warned me not to cross her or go to the Dean (apparently, she intimidates co-workers and the Dean too). I have also been told by "others" at the school that she has not been fired for her behavior as nursing educators are difficult to recruit nowadays. They also told me that if they had a dollar for every student that told them a nightmare story--they would be millionaires.
I would be more detailed about the exact things that have occurred, but I fear that would make it too simple to identify the persons involved. What I will say is that I paid the school and this "instructor" alot of money to teach me--not bully me and treat me with such disrespect and contempt. Although I will freely admit that I am only human and have made mistakes in my life--in this particular instance, I have done absolutely nothing wrong.
Any advice or encouragement would be appreciated. Thanks.
That's a great story! Thanks for your input too--I really appreciate it. It's hard cuz, I really don't have anyone to talk to about this problem. So thanks for your response!
i agree with Kevin on this one. Two years in and it sounds like she's preparing you for the real world of nursing. Yes, she is challenging you and you will deal with some really difficult people in the real world. I'm only 2 years into nursing and believe me, family members can be brutal.
I had an instructor who had this type of reputation and now when I see her with her current students on clinical rotations in my hospital, I thank her from the bottom of my heart for making me the nurse I am today.
I don't think this poster is talking about a tough-but-fair instructor like you are speaking of.
It sounds like this instructor is abusive.
I have been there, as I had one of these instructors, too.
Several years after graduation, I had to get clarification from my school about something in order to get licensed in another state. When I called, the bully instructor andswered the phone, and all my old feelings of anger and fear came back. I couldn't bear to speak to her- I hung up.
I thought how can I react that way after all these years?
But then, I spoke to an old classmate who made an appt to talk to a nursing advisor at our old school about a letter she needed for credit transferring.
She had driven from out of town for over an hour for the appt. When she was told the bully instructor would be advising her, she turned around and walked out.
I would lay low, and stay out of her way until graduation. Then, write a letter to the dean, with dates, times, and factual descriptions of the inappropriate things that the bully has said and done
I'll admit that my CI was fair and equal ... she hated everybody. As it relates to the OP, I have a very strong opinion that these experiences work to make us better, stronger, and overall more effective. I've had these bosses in the past (20 years in the Navy) and the best advice was/is "always remember you work for your boss ...", meaning don't argue, don't make waves, but document when things are wrong (and right to be fair). I started journalling during this time, it helped me to see the opposing view to some extent, provided an outlet for my frustration, and recourse if need be.
Keep in mind this is only temporary, you seem to know where you stand with this person (right next to the whale poop) so do what you do the best way you can, follow her instructions, and give her a wide berth.
I will add that back in the day I told my guys, "I wouldn't want to work for me either." Although I was fair and gave my people authority to carry out their tasks fully, I was/am demanding, expected a plan before the work started, I expected them to complete the task as I was the one who had to explain to the "Old Man" if it didn't get done. I'd also put guys in positions that were out of their comfort zone to make them more well-rounded, but that's a story for another time.
Thanks for your advice. I worked for a large law firm for 15 years, so I know the importance and benefit of keeping tract of dates, times, what was said/done, etc. It is my nature to "lay low", as I am a quiet person; however, when I graduate (or fail) I am prepared to take action to make it clear exactly what was done by this unprofessional nursing instructor. Sometimes I wonder how many nursing students (that would have made excellent nurses) quit because of her--as she has a reputation for this type of treatment towards students. Also, I find it difficult to learn from someone like her (she spends more time discussing her personal life than nursing when lecturing). Not only that, but anyone can read powerpoint outloud, right?
Thanks for your advice. I worked for a large law firm for 15 years, so I know the importance and benefit of keeping tract of dates, times, what was said/done, etc. It is my nature to "lay low", as I am a quiet person; however, when I graduate (or fail) I am prepared to take action to make it clear exactly what was done by this unprofessional nursing instructor. Sometimes I wonder how many nursing students (that would have made excellent nurses) quit because of her--as she has a reputation for this type of treatment towards students. Also, I find it difficult to learn from someone like her (she spends more time discussing her personal life than nursing when lecturing). Not only that, but anyone can read powerpoint outloud, right?
Don't get me started on those two!
Throughout my recent scholastic experience, it's odd that she's a bully. That trait/style seems more for the insecure instructor that's wants to be the favorite, the "easy one". I guess the opposite could be said, she's insecure and miserable in her life and for these 12 hours a week she's in control and able to share her misery.
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
Also, I find it difficult to learn from someone like her (she spends more time discussing her personal life than nursing when lecturing). Not only that, but anyone can read powerpoint outloud, right?
Anyone can, and should, read their textbooks as well. And not just one, but different ones in order to get different points of view. She may be a bad teacher. But, that has nothing to do with your job as a student and learner. Ask the lawyers you worked with what their relationships were with their different law professors. You will get many different answers. In general, as people go up the ladder of education, the learning is pretty much done on one's own with "teachers" being merely guides or facilitators at the least. To depend on the view of one person is not wise. She may be doing you more of a favor than you realize by forcing you to look to other sources for information.
I understand what you are saying; I have tons of other books and resources that I use--I spend most of my waking hours studying and I know that they are not there to spoon feed me; however, I would not give this person credit for being a "guide" or "facilitator" and she is certainly doing me no favors.
An easy-to-love nursing instructor is like a happy childhood. Something that makes you miss it when it's gone, but did nothing to getting through your problems today.
Embrace the darkness, confront your fears and live to tell the tale. You'll be a better nurse, and probably a better person for fighting through. (besides, if she's survived this long she's either a vampire or sleeping with the dean - or both)
Specializes in Med/surg tele, home health, travel.
I think I know where you are coming from. My instructor might not be to that extreme, but she has almost made me cry in front of my peer when I made an error during my head to toe physical assessment for our skills test. I am afraid to ask her questions because she always seems to make an ass of you in front of your peers. I don't like to be used as an example, and I don't feel comfortable under instruction. She is much diiferent than our other instructor, and I fear that we will have the same lady next semester. All I can do is try my best and never give up. I have put too much time and money into this career choice. I will succeed with or without her help!!!
You'll get through it and you will live to tell!!!!
MOLLBEE
12 Posts
That's a great story! Thanks for your input too--I really appreciate it. It's hard cuz, I really don't have anyone to talk to about this problem. So thanks for your response!