Instructors

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2010

She's probably putting her hand up to "halt you" so that other classmates have a chance to answer. Don't be the first to raise your hand with every question..give the class a chance to do it..if they don't answer, or no one else puts up their hand, then go for it. She probably knows at this point you are on point with your studies, she maybe just looking to see who else in class is prepared.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2010

Yeah, are you raising your hand? It sounds like she just wants to give other people a turn.

allnurses Guide · Feb 4, 2010

Yep. It can be percieved as showing off if you are always the first one blurting out an answer. If you have proven your muster, give others a chance to do the same. She needs to develop all her young nurses, including the shy, reserved ones and to develop judgements about all the class, not just you. She is halting you because you are getting in the way of doing that. Learning to judge situations and work with others is a part of nursing, so you can use this for good practice :)

CBsMommy · Feb 4, 2010

No, we don't really raise our hands in class. I know that I am probably perceived as a show-off however I also do not want to impede my learning since that's what I'm there for. I also do not like the silence in the class when she asks a question and you can hear crickets.

But, I understand that she wants to hear from other students and I won't interrupt if they've already answered or asked a question. But, all advice is appreciated and I will try and tone it down a notch or three. Thanks all!

allnurses Guide · Feb 4, 2010

Pause until it gets uncomfortable. Then if nobody speaks up, raise your hand halfway and see if your teacher calls on you. That will tell you a lot. Learning in nursing school is not just about course content. Some of it is about human relations. If you want to learn, then learn from this too!

Good luck and keep your focus on your learning. :) What you know will show in your exams, your clinical interactions, your skills.

CBsMommy · Feb 4, 2010

See, it seems to me that you are assuming that because I am a know-it-all or a show-off, I can't work well with people, which really isn't true.

I'm a second career Mom who has worked with people all of my life. I was like this in CNA class too (actually all my life) but I would stop to help anyone out at any time. And, just because I like to answer questions to make sure I'm on the right track, doesn't mean that I am not open to what I can do better. I was having a problem with sterile gloves and was very thankful when a fellow student pointed out a technique that she uses at her hospital.

I do appreciate your advice but I really do think that I work well with other people. Thanks!

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2010

See, it seems to me that you are assuming that because I am a know-it-all or a show-off, I can't work well with people, which really isn't true.
I'm a second career Mom who has worked with people all of my life. I was like this in CNA class too (actually all my life) but I would stop to help anyone out at any time. And, just because I like to answer questions to make sure I'm on the right track, doesn't mean that I am not open to what I can do better. I was having a problem with sterile gloves and was very thankful when a fellow student pointed out a technique that she uses at her hospital.
I do appreciate your advice but I really do think that I work well with other people. Thanks!

I have a question...if no one answers what the teacher asks, will the teacher move on without going over the answer? Because unless that's the case, you can still find out if what you were thinking was correct. If the answer is unclear or you're still not sure if what you were thinking fits, you can ask for clarification. Do you have a compelling argument for how exactly that would impede your learning? Or do you need to be personally recognized and validated by the teacher in order to learn?

I don't think anyone is saying that you don't work well with people, but it does appear that you aren't good at being quiet in class and letting others have a turn to think things through. When you blurt out the answers quickly, others can't take that extra second or two to work things out.

So yes, wait out the awkward pause.

CBsMommy · Feb 4, 2010

My last reply was directed at gentylwind as yes, in their post, it says twice that I need to use this as a learning experience to work with people.

And, yes, I feel that I do need to be recognized and validated by the instructor. I live in a smaller city and out of our class of 50 people we will be competing for jobs whether or not the economy turns around. I need the instructor to know that I would be a good candidate for a job prospect and to maybe write a letter of recommendation.

That being said, I agree that I need to tone it down in class and wait out the awkward pause before answering.

9livesRN, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2010

i go by the 10 second rule, if no one answer I will, just because, when teachers stop to ask something, and we waste blank time, it kinda takes the focus out of my mind, so i just answer to get the class going...

this goes since A&P, i am not a know it all, but i can get around fine, so since A&P my class mates decided that who ever knew the answer for sure, just wait 10 seconds to give a chance to others, if not then just answer it so we can go own with lecture...

CBsMommy · Feb 4, 2010

Thanks helpingothersinlife! I can't stand that pause. It takes the focus out of my mind too! The 10 second rule is a great rule to live by! Thanks again!