No Oncology Lecture ADN Program

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Feb 10, 2011

Actually this could be really good. Instead of a brief overview of the cancers you will get an in depth view on many different types of cancers. I mean I feel it's odd that their won't be a lecture at all on it, but I can see a plus to dividing it out and having people do presentations on it. My microbiolgy teacher did something similar on some of the viruses and bacteria that cause illness and I took a lot from it that stuck.

We just had a group presentation today on Organ Donation and I have had many people tell us how good and informative it was and how it covered so much more than we have learned about.

netglow, ASN, RN · Feb 10, 2011

You will lose if you do not treat nursing as if you were the teacher and the student, grasshopper. There are few instructors that can teach. Don't wait for one to appear, find your own way. You will excel once you realize this.

Charlotto · Feb 10, 2011

I think we need to hear that from other people outside the program. You are right - those who can't, teach - and in many cases their egos prevent it. Thank you. We are all a bit beaten down right now.

netglow, ASN, RN · Feb 10, 2011

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/nursing-faculty-orientation-531663.html#post4777575

Here is one example. Now you will understand that it IS up to you sometimes.

cb_rn · Feb 10, 2011

I think we need to hear that from other people outside the program. You are right - those who can't, teach - and in many cases their egos prevent it. Thank you. We are all a bit beaten down right now.

Careful not to lump everyone in that category. There are some stellar teachers who do it for the love of teaching. There are a lot of stereotypes in nursing (eating the young, those that can't teach, etc, etc) that you would do best not to take to heart. Sorry your program isn't living up to your expectations but getting that kind of mentality is not the way to start your nursing career.

ACute RN · Feb 10, 2011

I happen to be adjunct faculty in a BSN program and staff nurse working in oncology... I think the student presentations are an EXCELLENT idea and I am sure that you find them a lot more interesting then what your theory instructor would lecture on... However, especially with cancer, I think there are certain aspects that need to be covered by someone working in the specialty because there are some complex concepts... When I was in nursing school, one of the instructors (team taught courses) worked as an oncology NP previously and did a fabulous job with the lecture... I am primarily a clinical instructor, but I was a guest speaker for the junior med/surg class and provided a 3 hour overview lecture on cancer...

And, yes... you are often going to teach yourself!

Charlotto · Feb 10, 2011

Agreed, the instructor just 3 years as an RN having recently received her BSN. We fully understand taking initiative. It's just hard to understand that after putting out $3K a semester, this is what we get. Yes, there are good instructors out there.

serenity1 · Feb 10, 2011

We only received one day of oncology in our lecture class...it was a presentation by several oncology nurses and was very interesting. We did have to read the book on our own to get what we needed for the class. Oncology was not as big a part of my nursing education as things like Parkinson's, Diabetes, and heart disease were. I don't recall even having much on a test about it. Yes...I HATED group assignments, but we did learn a lot from them. It was more interesting to hear from classmates than to have the instructor read power points to us :). As others have stated, you will teach yourself more than you think in nursing school. Hang in there, it really does go by fast!

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Feb 10, 2011

We only received one day of oncology in our lecture class...it was a presentation by several oncology nurses and was very interesting. We did have to read the book on our own to get what we needed for the class. Oncology was not as big a part of my nursing education as things like Parkinson's, Diabetes, and heart disease were. I don't recall even having much on a test about it. Yes...I HATED group assignments, but we did learn a lot from them. It was more interesting to hear from classmates than to have the instructor read power points to us :). As others have stated, you will teach yourself more than you think in nursing school. Hang in there, it really does go by fast!

Oncology hasn't been a huge part of ours as well because it's a more specialized area and they are just wanted us to get a general understanding. That said, we have still had a little bit of it each semester and this last semester we are having our 3rd quiz over cancers tomorrow. But it's still pretty general for how in depth you would get if you chose to go on to work in that area.

I agree about the group projects too. I loathe them but so far the ones I have been in, our projects ending up coming together really well and came out really great. When they are done well you can learn a lot from them. But I am glad today was my last one!

Dazglue, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 10, 2011

We also did Oncology presentations. It was wonderful! Everyone chose from a list. The teacher did chime in if he or she felt like we left something out.

feisty · Feb 10, 2011

Have you and your classmates analyzed your performance on the last test to determine what might have contributed to the large number who failed? Really evaluate why you missed the questions. Was it lack of knowledge on the subject? Was it difficulty with the type of questions (many students are shocked to learn that all the answers correctly apply to the question but one is the "best" correct answer). Did the questions come from material that was assigned? Remember, all assigned reading is fair game even if the material isn't covered in class. There isn't enough instruction time to cover all you need to learn. This advice is the result of my own experience as a nursing student and as a nurse. I am sure you will also receive some very good advice from other students, nurses, and instructors.

Try not to develop a we verses them mentality as this is very unprofessional and will only result in trouble. Did the faculty really "pull this out of their butts"? I can understand becoming frustrated with the situation, but remember to respond in a constructive manner. As an adult you can now examine the issue and evaluate what you can do that will help you accomplish your goal of becoming a nurse. One of the most valuable lessons you will learn in life is the fact that you can teach yourself. As a nurse you will constantly be required to educate yourself on a subject such as Advanced Life Support, show up for a brief class, perform the skill in a mock situation, and take a written exam. Certification will be impossible if you do not educate yourself prior to the class. Remember, keeping a job will depend on you and your ability to educate yourself when certifications are required. At my place of employment, new hires are required to take a test similar to the nclex and the new hire must pass. No instruction time is given. The new hire must "know their stuff" so to speak. I hear this is becoming the norm at many places now. It is a wise person who doesn't become dependent upon others for their knowledge.

Its wonderful to find an instructor who brings a subject to life and makes learning fun, but try not to allow yourself to become dependent on others for knowledge. Be thankful when it occurs and enjoy it, but always show up to class as though that will be the exception and not the rule. Its very empowering to educate yourself and to also share your knowledge with others (study groups or class presentations).

If you find that you are having difficulty with the test when you know the material then request a meeting with your assigned faculty advisor and request assistance with assessing the problem. The nursing process can be applied in this situation and ultimately help you achieve your goals of passing the tests, class, program, nclex, and becoming a nurse. Develop a pattern of meeting challenges with a constructive plan and you will become a successful individual. :yelclap: