My Microbiology Teacher told me I can't become a Nurse

Published

Hello,

Last time I visited the site, I got so much support from registered users of this forums, that I decided to enter the nursing program. Here is the link https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/late-me-become-497456-page12.html#post4569262 in case any wanted to see it.

Anyway, I was told today after Microbiology lab " That I'm sorry you don't have what it takes to become a nurse. It's just not your thing.". I had trouble with the microscope today and a few other days, so based off of that, she assessed that I couldn't pass clinical. Being in her position and her being a doctor, I felt so bad, and I had to refrain from crying on the spot. Keep in my mind I'm a guy. I told her that I would worker harder and hopefully by the end of the semster she would change her opinion of me.

Has anybody ever had someone tell you that you can't do something? If so, how did you handle it?

I tried to turn it into a positive, but having a real hard time doing so. My school has a low passage rate for the nursing program like 30 percent or something low like that. I don't want to tell my wife or my family what was said to me today, so I rather ask you for some advice.

I mean she could of worded it so differently like "if you keep on this path, you won't be a nurse.", but she actually said "You don't have what it takes.". I mean when she see's me she see's a failure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Because of a comment a from a bitter old woman you're rethinking your life? It's one or two screw ups in a micro lab. Don't sweat it.

Every time you face an obstacle don't question yourself. Question how you're going to overcome it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well as a nursing student. I can't tell you how many times I've looked into a microscope. Oh wait...that was never. I'm not saying that you won't ever do it, I've just never gotten the opportunity.

Just know that you will have to work extra hard to please this teacher. Please don't let what she said discourage you, some people you just can't please.If nursing is what you want to do, use that drive to work extra hard to get a good grade in that class. Maybe ask her to help you or if she has any tips to help you to get used to the microscope.

Heck, I burnt the loop until it disintegrated on more then one occasion. :)

You can do it!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That "doctor" sounds like a complete moron! First off, YOU know what you are capable of. And if you think you can do it, you can! Last semester I had Chemistry taught by someone who had a doctorate, and she was one of the most unintelligent individuals I had ever met. She couldn't even remember that C stood for carbon and Ca was calcium, she'd always confuse the two in lecture. What really made her an idiot in my eyes, was that she was completely judgemental of her students and would never admit to making mistakes (which she did OFTEN). To me, when people lack humility it makes them the biggest fools of all.

It is easy to become intimidated by people who are in a position of power, such as our instructors, bosses, etc. but you have to keep in mind that they are people filled with insecurities and flaws like the rest of us. If you professor had the nerve to say something that rude to you, he/she obviously has issues. Brush it off and don't let it discourage you!

Also, you should open up to your wife and family that you had this encounter and you are afraid you'll start to doubt yourself. They are your biggest support system, and your most loyal cheerleaders (well, they should be!). Good luck, and show that idiot professor what you're made of!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow, that's incredibly unprofessional! After a comment like that I wouldn't put weight in anything she says, no matter what her credentials. I would be much more worried about your schools low pass rate. Personally, I wouldn't have even applied to my program if it was anywhere near 30%. That's not to say that I don't think I'd be able to do it, but moreso that the quality of instruction must not be very high.. (assuming the applicants have decent grades going in)

Nursing may not be for you, but don't let someone else try to tell you that; it's something you need to figure out for yourself IMO. I say you should just keep on putting in 110% and do the best that you can. If nursing really isn't for you, you should know by the first semester. Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Who gives a crap what a microbiology teacher says? How would she know what it takes to become a nurse? Is she one? Hell no! Seriously, don't pay this lady any attention. Looking through a microscope has nothing to do w/nursing

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I struggled in Micorbiology because I really wasn't interested in most of it, half of our microscopes didn't even work, lol. Some of it has come back in nursing classes but only a small amount so far. The only thing I can say to you is NEVER let anyone keep you from doing what you want to do. Do not let one negative preson get you down. It is not worth it. Good Luck to you. You will do fine!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

I have never looked into a microscope in nursing school or in clinicals.

Anyway, never let anyone else decide what you can and can't do. Only you can decide what you are capable of.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If someone tells me I can't do something, my stubborn side comes out and I prove them WRONG!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I dont see what working a microscope has to do with nursing. Was that "doctor" a medical doctor? And if so, does she have nursing experience? I don't see how the micro teacher is in a position to judge??

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In her vast experience in nursing, she thought you couldn't hack it? Seriously, she's a micro instructor. I'm guessing that she (like most non-nurses) would roll into the fetal position and cry if she had to spend a day in my shoes as a nurse.

I'd put more weight on what your nursing instructors and preceptors say. If she isn't going to offer any constructive criticism, let it slide right off your back. I know it was discouraging to hear, and what a terrible thing for an instructor of any kind to say; but recognize that she is NOT a nurse, and she really has no idea about what it takes to be one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What exactly is her PhD in? If it is in biology (which I suspect it is), how much time has she really spent working as a nurse or a real doctor for that matter? None. You can get a PhD in just about any major by the way. It just means you spent more time in school then the Master students.:D

But seriously having trouble with a microscopes is not going to limit you in NS. Last semester 75% of my AP class had trouble with them. The fact is that nurses don't ever use microscopes, heck neither do most doctors for that matter, it is usually left up to the lab techs. :rolleyes:

The thing is when people are being discouraging, they usually have some personal damage of their own. And they are try to bring you down to make themselves feel better..."Emotional Bulling". Did you ever ask yourself why she is teaching, when she could be using her Phd to make two to three times more than she is now? Most prof. don't get PhDs, they usually stop at MSNs. Now don't get me wrong, I have had some great teachers with PhDs, but I had some that were burned out and saw every student as incompetent (they would never say it directly, but only implied it). Not exactly a moral booster. :crying2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion