I have an Unhelpful instructor

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I already know that nursing school is a lot of work (before anyone wants to preach to me about something I already know) but my instructor is extremely unhelpful. You can tell she's ready to be done teaching. She's an older woman. I think she's in pain everyday because she walks with a cane and is always talking about how tired she is and that she's "too lazy" to make any supplemental work for us. When she says that she acts like she's helping us with not providing extra work but it's actually hurting us! 1. We have a HORRIBLE book 2. We aren't provided with power points or study guides or anything to help us follow what we are learning. 3. She goes right along with the book when she lectures 4. She takes DAYS to answer any emails 5. If you ask any questions she makes you feel like you're stupid for not knowing. 6. Questions on the exams don't go along with the reading. There are questions that do pertain to the reading but a lot of them aren't and the whole class gets really confused where she's getting her information from. From what I heard is that there are 3 other instructors that are teaching the same term and they all give the same exam. It just seems like our instructor isn't giving us all the information or material to study like the other instructors are and it's really hurting my grade. The other students in class agree.... We have everything on ebooks and I'm just trying to get some study tips from some book learners out there. Any tips would be appreciated!! Thanks!

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Have you tried bringing up these same points with the instructor? How about getting the program director involved? You will get no resolution if you don't at least try to speak with the instructor about these things.

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Specializes in ICU.

Have you spoken with your instructor first about this? There is a chain of command to follow and this should have been made clear at your program orientation how it goes.

You almost had me until you started complaining about absolutely everything, including the book. So I can't really tell where the actual issue lies here.

But know you will run across good instructors and bad instructors in school. You have to suck it up and figure out how to pass. I seriously doubt going to the director of your program is to complain about another teacher is going to do anything but put a giant mark on your back.

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The ONLY reason I brought up the book was because since she ONLY teaches straight from the text it's not helping having an awful book on top of an awful instructor. I think I was pretty thorough and clear in my post so I'm not too sure why you're having a problem with "finding the issue" lol I made sure to explain the whole situation. I really don't understand the need for people to be unnecessarily rude for no damn reason. I'm complaining? YEAH because I'm trying to take my nursing career seriously and this lady is not doing anything to guide us or TEACH us. It's already hard transitioning into your first semester of the program let alone this. Out of all of my pre nursing classes I have NEVER had an instructor like this.

Also, people have brought it up numerous times that they are having a hard time understanding the text and need more clarity. She flat out doesn't care. She jokes around about how lazy she is and how she doesn't "feel" like doing anything extra. I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I feel like this site is for encouragement and you are straight up rude. If you can't offer the encouragement or help then don't comment. Thanks!

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

OP, I think YOU are the one being "straight up" rude. What exactly was rude about what has been previously posted? What did you not like about the advice that was previously offered? You posted on a public site - you don't get to dictate what type of responses you get. We can give you tips all day long, but ultimately it sounds like there is a bigger issue at hand - a burned out teacher using inadequate material and that would require a discussion with, at minimum, the instructor herself if you want anything to change.

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I could read the sarcasm from her "until you started complaining about everything" unless I took it the wrong way but that's what it sounds like and why are you commenting? To also add to some rude jabs? I asked to not comment on my post if you feel the need to be rude. I really don't think that's much to ask for or if that's really dictating.. I did come to a public forum asking for help not to ask for sarcastic smirky comments. I was asking for encouragement and study tips from people who know good study techniques with books. Or maybe hoping to come across someone who went through a similar situation and seeing how they handled it. I never had to self learn from just a book. I don't have many options in this situation. People have talked to her. She's been an instructor there for awhile and the last thing I want is to say something to a higher and then make the instructor mad because she obviously no longer cares. But I don't need a lecture! Again, if you don't want to offer encouragement or study tips move along. Nobody's making you post. Again, thank you have a good day!

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Specializes in Dialysis.

As a previous instructor, I will tell you to research respectable sites and journals online for disease topics. Ask classmates who have the other instructors what other resources they have and are using.

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As a previous instructor, I will tell you to research respectable sites and journals online for disease topics. Ask classmates who have the other instructors what other resources they have and are using.

Thank you! I had talked to a few and they suggested getting an nclex book to study along with the book topics. They were also going to print off some power points but had to check first if they were allowed. I also found quizlet and that has been a good help. I haven't tried looking into journals yet but that's a great idea! Thanks again! [emoji4]

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Specializes in Tele, Interventional Pain Management, OR.

One of the most important things I learned in nursing school is the importance of a positive, self-starting mindset. Every instructor is different (kinda like every nurse manager is different, which you'll see in the future) and one key to success is figuring out how to meet expectations.

Come to think of it, attitude is important in the pursuit of higher education regardless of major. I earned a B.A. before nursing school and even in a liberal arts department I encountered a couple of obstacles and yes, less-than-stellar instructors.

One thing to know about college, in nursing or other majors: few instructors, if any, will spoon-feed information. Readings may not precisely line up with exam questions, and PowerPoints/study guides aren't always provided. Academic independence and critical thinking are expected at the college level.

My advice to OP is to focus less on the individual instructor and more on what YOU need to do to pass. A PP's suggestion to consult reputable websites about disease processes is a good one. Since you're just in your first semester, it's good to understand early on that learning in nursing extends well beyond school. Nursing programs mainly prepare you to pass NCLEX. I recently started my first nursing job, and I do spend a little time outside of working hours researching topics pertinent to my patient population.

Nursing school can be a tortured road for folks who worry about the personalities/quirks/shortcomings of people besides themselves. Those who struggled the most in my cohort (and a couple who didn't make it along the way) spent a lot of time complaining about teachers and tests and rules. Don't be that student!

Good luck, OP!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I think OP's comment

" I never had to self learn from just a book. "

is the essence of what's happening here.

For whatever reason (e.g., nursing classes are 'different'; instructor is lazy; poor curriculum planning; awful text, etc) it appears that OP is going to have to use some different methods in order to be successful in this class. It's probably time to ramp up the 'self teaching' effort. In my experience, this instructional model becomes more common as you progress into upper division work.... self learning (with an instructor to facilitate) is a basic expectation for graduate school.

RNinIN has provided some great advice. Also, it may be helpful to organize a study group or take advantage of any available tutoring. One caveat: choose your study buddies wisely. If possible, choose those who are similarly motivated and avoid the whiners and freeloaders ("can I copy your notes?")

One of the most common threads here on AN is the "I used to have a great GPA until I began my nursing classes - what happened?" OP seems very resourceful, It's all going to work out in the end.

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One of the most important things I learned in nursing school is the importance of a positive, self-starting mindset. Every instructor is different (kinda like every nurse manager is different, which you'll see in the future) and one key to success is figuring out how to meet expectations.

Come to think of it, attitude is important in the pursuit of higher education regardless of major. I earned a B.A. before nursing school and even in a liberal arts department I encountered a couple of obstacles and yes, less-than-stellar instructors.

One thing to know about college, in nursing or other majors: few instructors, if any, will spoon-feed information. Readings may not precisely line up with exam questions, and PowerPoints/study guides aren't always provided. Academic independence and critical thinking are expected at the college level.

My advice to OP is to focus less on the individual instructor and more on what YOU need to do to pass. A PP's suggestion to consult reputable websites about disease processes is a good one. Since you're just in your first semester, it's good to understand early on that learning in nursing extends well beyond school. Nursing programs mainly prepare you to pass NCLEX. I recently started my first nursing job, and I do spend a little time outside of working hours researching topics pertinent to my patient population.

Nursing school can be a tortured road for folks who worry about the personalities/quirks/shortcomings of people besides themselves. Those who struggled the most in my cohort (and a couple who didn't make it along the way) spent a lot of time complaining about teachers and tests and rules. Don't be that student!

Good luck, OP!

Thanks! You are 100% right about the positive attitude. When I was taking my pre nursing courses I had awesome grades because I was so excited and focused on my journey to my career. I started off the same way when I started the program but I think I'm letting the stress and frustration get to me because its a whole different world. I was thinking about making a motivational poster to look at when I'm starting to feel stressed.

I LOVE clinicals! It's the courses and I think the transition that's getting to me. I need to learn new study habits for the critical thinking part. I also talked to one of our coordinators and she's going to meet with me to go over some test taking skills and study techniques so I'm excited for that [emoji4]

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I think OP's comment

" I never had to self learn from just a book. "

is the essence of what's happening here.

For whatever reason (e.g., nursing classes are 'different'; instructor is lazy; poor curriculum planning; awful text, etc) it appears that OP is going to have to use some different methods in order to be successful in this class. It's probably time to ramp up the 'self teaching' effort. In my experience, this instructional model becomes more common as you progress into upper division work.... self learning (with an instructor to facilitate) is a basic expectation for graduate school.

RNinIN has provided some great advice. Also, it may be helpful to organize a study group or take advantage of any available tutoring. One caveat: choose your study buddies wisely. If possible, choose those who are similarly motivated and avoid the whiners and freeloaders ("can I copy your notes?")

One of the most common threads here on AN is the "I used to have a great GPA until I began my nursing classes - what happened?" OP seems very resourceful, It's all going to work out in the end.

Yes! Exactly! I just need a new different approach of learning and studying. I like all of the suggestions so far! I just talked to my mentor and we are meeting after spring break to help tutor. I also went to the bookstore and bought a study guide book to see if there's different approaches I can take in there. Thank you for your reply! [emoji4]

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