How do you handle leechers aka LAZY STUDENTS in your class?

[live&love&heal]

I've come into the nursing profession with the compassion to help people. However, in nursing school, I feel everyone should help each other to a "point". My current dilemma is that there are a few classmates in my class who are leechers. Unfortunately, they are attracted to me. I am a nice person and love helping people. I've made photocopies for people and let people see my notes. These classmates had valid reasons (i.e. sick or computer problems). I'm okay with that.

However, lately other classmates have asked me to write papers for them in exchange for money. I didn't write any papers and told them flat out that I wont go there and do that. Another classmate asked if she can photocopy my flashcards. And another keeps asking me what hints or pointers I have to pass the test. I only know what everyone else knows and just study. Honestly, I think these people are flat out LAZY!

My question is how do you handle the leechers? I don't want to be rude and burn bridges but, I don't feel that I should study and work hard only to let people have it easier. I am married with a kid. These classmates are single.

I understand that nursing school is stressful and there's a lot of pressure to do well and pass. I don't want anymore added stress from these leechers.

I thought perhaps I could just act unavailable and make excuses that I'm busy. Would that work?

Sorry I REALLY had to vent. Thanks for listening!

[Sbhayes09, ADN, RN]

It's like I wrote this myself. The only thing I've known to do so far is not to give in. I had a classmate flat out ask to copy my homework because she went out drinking and couldn't do it. I showed her where the information came from and told her it was easy and that she could do it. Other times she's asked me to help her study. I told her I have three children and a husband to take care of. My plate is full.

[Purple_roses]

You say "no."

It really is that simple.

[TofuSandwich, ASN, RN]

I have a personal rule that I won't give anyone any answers. I'll help them talk it through, or tell them where to find it, and if I see they're making an honest effort to solve something but are making a mistake I'll teach them the right way, but I never just hand over assignments or answers. The moochers quickly realize that I'm no use to them, and helping the ones that are honestly trying to learn helps reinforce the material for myself.

[LemonDrop1234]

I agree with the previous poster that you should turn in the ones asking for you to write their papers. They will find someone willing and that's an academic infraction. Moreover, you would probably get kicked out of school if the admins learned you were engaged in selling papers. Just ignore the other students and report them to administration. They aren't trying to be your friend. They're *******s.

[wannabeny]

A simple "no" will suffice. Don't pay any mind to the leechers; they eventually get weeded out for not putting in the effort. Those who are making an effort and seek their classmates help, generally come to their classmate with something along the lines of "i don't fully understand xyz, here is what I do understand, do you have an easier way to get this?". And don't share anything remotely related to class work; projects, care plans, papers, etc. Best of luck :)