Parents at Orientation

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So, I got my notice last month to go to nursing orientation July 6, and my mom wanted to come with me. I don't think it's appropriate for her to be there, but I'm not sure. She would be paying for my supplies and such, but I could just ask for her checkbook ahead of time. Did anyone take or see other people's parents at orientation buying supplies? Or is it a "student only" event? Thanks in advance!

Specializes in Emergency.

I think its great that she wants to come. What the hell is a "helicopter parent". But at our orientation, we can bring whomever. They just have to pay 10.00.

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Specializes in Case management, occupational health.

I have NEVER seen a parent at nursing orientation. I would understand her wanting to come to overall welcome to the university orientation, but not the nursing specific.

However, many nursing students are older, so she might blend right in.

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Specializes in Case management, occupational health.

(What the hell is a "helicopter parent". ) A parent that hovers over like a helicopter.

I also wanted to mention that you might get made fun of, nursing school is tough enough, there is a lot of competition and back stabbing- you don't want to give them ammo to use against you

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My college had two phases of orientation. The first was for the students only. The second was for family members or whoever we wanted to bring. We did not have to stay for the second part if we did not want to, but thank god I stayed and my husband showed up. The instructors did all the explaining of how hard my life was going to be the next two years and how he was really going to have to help around the house. This was also were they told the students they were going to have to let some things go and let others help out. One instructor had a good time management presentation for the loved ones. They really got to see that we really would not have a life outside of nursing school.

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Specializes in Emergency.
(What the hell is a "helicopter parent". ) A parent that hovers over like a helicopter.

I also wanted to mention that you might get made fun of, nursing school is tough enough, there is a lot of competition and back stabbing- you don't want to give them ammo to use against you

Thanks for the clarification. I've NEVER heard of "helicopter parent". But made fun of, I doubt it and if they do, who cares. These people are just classmates, not friends. That's just my opinion. If the OP has such a problem with her mom going, just tell her its for students only. That way her feelings wont be hurt. I doubt she needs to worry about people making fun, and if they do, then somebody needs a lesson in "growing up". This is college and that sounds high school-ish and verrry trivial. Thats just my opinion.

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At our school we have 2 orientations for incoming students also and the first includes "support people" if they want to come. As a previous poster stated it gives those people a taste of how hard you are going to be working and the help you will need. If you live with your parents, it will be an eye-opener for your Mom, and help her know how to support you. If you don't live with your folks, having her there may not be as helpful. My husband would have been my person to take, but he couldn't get off work, so I sat with other students I knew from prereq classes. I would advise calling the school as well.

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Specializes in SNU/SNF/MedSurg, SPCU Ortho/Neuro/Spine.

tell her to go out and enjoy a glass of wine!!!

she in not gonna have any fun!!!

and the stupid goofys will get on your back..

plus, really... there is no need for her to go, i guess... she in not gonna be helping you with homework!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Not one single parent at our orientation.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Oh goodness.

No parents were present at my orientation. It's for students. It's where our director went over the painful details of the program.all.day.long.

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Specializes in MED-SURG, LTC.

Be happy that your mother wants to share this occasion with you. She is obviously very pround in the fact that you choose this as a profession. Go ahead, allow her to accompany you and things will be great

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

at my CC we kind of had 2 orientations, the 1st was shortly after being notified that we were accepted into the program and the orientation notification said to bring SO, parents, and people who were going to support you (finanical/emotional) through school so that they could have an idea of what to expect. They even made mention of spouses to be aware that they need to pick up the slack when it comes to housework because us nursing students will be busy (kinda nice). Then 2 weeks before school started we had a second orientation regarding our schedules...... that one was for students only.

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Specializes in Neuro.

Seven hour orientation?

Ours was 2 hours. 3 if you include the BBQ afterwards, which I skipped because I had a project to do.

Do you live with your mom? Because if so I can understand her wanting to know whats going on.

And anyone who would make fun of you for having your mom around for orientation isn't worth your time :).

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