Is my school the only one like this?!!!

I really think it's the culture of the institution. My first 3 nursing clinicals were all at the same institution. My very 1st semester, there had just been layoffs the week before we started. Needless to say, they were very understaffed and NONE of the nurses wanted us around. They made it abundantly clear that we nursing students were a pain in their backsides and we needed to get out of their way and not bother them. Since it was Fundamentals, all we could do was vitals, assessments and pass meds with our instructor. I stayed out of the way of the nurses with attitudes and did my best to help the techs, answer call lights, etc. By the end of our rotation, the nurses lightened up a bit, but they still never made us feel welcome. One even had the nerve to say "why should I help you and answer your question? You're just going to graduate, get hired for lower pay and take away all of our hours". YIKES! Just a student trying to make it through my shift, not trying to actively take your job. Our clinical instructor did nothing to foster a relationship. It was basically keep your head down and don't make waves.

The next semester, we were on a different unit and I'd say about 60% of the nurses were great. The "grumpy" 40% were just burned out and over-worked and just didn't want to "deal" with students. They sat at the nurses station the ENTIRE shift and only got up if we asked (several times, mind you) them to take a look at the patient. The great nurses actually took the time to let us watch new procedures or gave us the opportunity to do skills like chest tube care, trach suction, etc. I *loved* working with them. I just tried to ignore the grumpy ones, unless I was the unfortunate one assigned to them. The instructor that semester actually spoke to the nurse manager about the few grumpy ones and their attitudes towards students. It *is* a teaching hospital, after all. It went no where

My 3rd semester was L&D and it was like a breath of fresh air. What a team! Prior to this rotation, I had ZERO interest in L&D and was really dreading it. We had FANTASTIC nurses who were so positive and encouraging. They included us in everything and we learned so much. I thoroughly enjoyed that rotation.

I'm now in my 4th rotation (Peds) and I'm at a different institution. What a difference! The nurses at this facility actually like having students on the floor. We're also at a level where we can pretty much do all the care for our patients, so it makes their day easier. We just keep them informed throughout the shift. Our clinical instructor used to work on that floor so she has a great rapport with the staff. It's been a great semester. Not one student has had an issue with any of the nurses here, unlike the previous facility.

So, while it may feel like your school "doesn't care", it may just be that there's such a negative culture in the institution that's behind what you're experiencing. Even if your instructor tries to address things, it may fall on deaf ears. Unfortunately, it sucks. However, there is so much competition between schools for limited clinical space. It's basically feast or famine. Is it ideal for learning? No, but right now, it's all that your school has to offer.

Just try to make the most of your experience. I used the "kill 'em with kindness" philosophy with the nurses during my first rotation. No matter how rude their comments were to the students, I just smiled and thought to myself "don't ever let me be like that down the road". I still did the best job I could and tried to get as much out of the experience as possible. I answered call lights and made myself as available as possible to lend a hand when needed.

First and foremost....I am so sorry for your loss...((HUGS))

Hummm....I am trying to find a way to say this in a positive manner.....I understand your frustration and disappointment. Nurses in the present climate are not happy in general. The are under enormous pressure to do everything with nothing. While you paid the school for your education...you, and your school, are not paying the nurses at the facilities any compensation for the increased workload of a student. Nurses are overwhelmed in their normal day to day workload and are frankly sick and tired of being walked on.

It is a shame that it has changed from years ago where nurses were given preceptor courses and the school educated certain nurses to mentor the students. The system is flawed. No one wants to spend the money any more to ensure the best solution for everyone. Nurses today come onto work and are given a student just because that patient was chosen. They receive no training or briefing/report on what you can and cannot do. They are not informed what your focus of the day needs to be and more than likely their CNA's have been pulled and a nurse was cancelled because......"the students are there today". Simply put there are just some people who should not teach.

I understand that it is difficult to be accused of something that you didn't do. You have every right to righteous indignation...however, sometimes a simple "I'm so sorry you didn't hear me....I apologize. I will be sure to speak more clearly in the future" is enough to diffuse a situation. It is best to not throw fuel on the fire. I use the...is this really going to matter a hundred years from now? If not...I use my energies for other, more worthy, endeavors.

Technically ...your exposure risk of infection in the ICU is less, as there are less patients, and there are more people around to help you position and bathe the patients. That being said...you asked for the ICU...your school was going to accommodate your request. You then asked to be switched. They accommodated your request. Then you asked to be switched again....they told you they were unable to accommodate this request. I think they have been very accommodating to your requests.

Why would the school go to battle with the facility for one student. If there was no space the was no space. Period

The world is not what we want it to be. We are all handed less than desirable situations...sometimes a real feces sandwich...it is how we navigate through them that define us.

I wish you the best.