I feel stupid in Microbiology Lab?

[Laureani]

This is more of a rant than a question, I'm currently taking Microbiology which is my last science class before I apply for the nursing program. I did very well in A&P I and II as well as my other classes (except my C in chem). Micro Lecture is relatively easy but lab seems trying. I study prior to lab and read the directions for each experiment but I don't always feel like I know what I'm doing, and I tend to ask allot of questions that make me feel a little silly and stupid. We did culture media (which I was struggling with at the time) and when I went to check my results a few colonies were present but it didn't look much like what the bacteria is supposed to look like, although my cheek swab came out perfectly. I just feel stupid in lab and I'm dreading tomorrow because we have to bring out our cultures again and seeing everyone else with their perfect bacterial morphology is going to kill me....

[britpanda]

Sorry you are struggling with your class. The best thing to do would be to speak with your professor who should be able to guide you on specific things you can improve upon.

As a side note, please refrain from using the "r" word that you used in your title. There are plenty of other words in the English language that can be used to get your point across without offending people!!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

As a side note, please refrain from using the "r" word that you used in your title. There are plenty of other words in the English language that can be used to get your point across without offending people!!

Title has been changed to comply with the terms of service.

[ahs2015]

Microbiology was my favorite class - AFTER the semester was over. It was by far the most difficult class I have ever taken, but I learned so much. I went to open lab, talked to my Professor and Lab Assistant, found study partners and I still felt clueless. One day after speaking with my professor, again, she told me the intent of the course was to challenge me to think in a way I had not done before. Her exact words were, "if you don't feel overwhelmed now then I'm not doing my job."

I doubt that you have my specific professor, but maybe the teaching method is the same. It took me about half of the semester before I finally began to understand lab and lecture and how it all fit together.

My advise is to keep studying. Try finding a study group or class mates that can explain the material in a different way. Microbiology is extremely challenging, but you have the opportunity to learn tons of information that you can use as an RN.

Hope that helps a bit. :-)