Parents at Orientation

lak20019 · Jul 2, 2009

Thank you everyone, for giving your two cents on the subject. I will first say that yes, I do live at home, my parents do help pay for anything my scholarship doesn't, and I do feel blessed that my mother wants to be a part of my nursing experience. It's interesting, because she wants to go to this one (she's not a "helicopter parent"), and yet she never went with me to my other three orientations (different schools). From 8-12 am, there will be vendors available for us to buy things from, and I need to get fitted and order my uniforms. Then, the "formal orientation" (as VCC worded it), is from 1-3 pm. So, I think that my mom will come with me from 8-12, and then leave (if it's appropriate) from 1-3.

mskelr · Jul 3, 2009

At the orientation you'll learn that a support network is essential. And having your mother there will help her to understand the stressors you will face.

jenniern2be · Jul 3, 2009

Spouses or parents were invited to our orientation. My husband came to mine and it was very informative for him. They encouraged us to bring the people who were going to a major part of our support group, so they can learn what we will be doing and what is expected of us. There was one parent there, others brought spouses, some were alone. I was happy he was there to see where and what I will be doing for the next 2 years.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 4, 2009

You are fortunate to have a parent who cares enough to come and support you. I'm jealous....

jeanette21 · Jul 5, 2009

Ease up guys, I think a lot of the schools are different. I'm at a state university, and almost everyone had their mothers there for the orientation. Call the schools and find out, but everyone telling you to cut the cord is being a little harsh.

tigress_8207, ASN, BSN · Jul 5, 2009

I personally think it's great that your mom wants to go with you and i say take her.Would have loved to have my mom at my orientation but she had to work.She has supported me tremendously in everything i have done and i'm blessed and so are you.Oh and she works at the hospital where i will be doing my clinicals which makes me all the more excited.Well let us know how it turns out and best of luck to you.

AZSamiLPN · Jul 6, 2009

At my nursing school orientation, we were allowed to bring one person that you considered to be your rock. I brought my husband. Everybody there also brought along somebody. I would strongly suggest you call the school and ask if it's okay. I'm glad I brought my husband because he was able to hear first-hand how difficult and busy nursing school was going to be and he has been doing everything he can to help me get through it. I don't know if things would've been different if he didn't hear it for himself, and I hope not to find out! Good luck!

NeoNurseTX, RN · Jul 13, 2009

We had a TON of parents/spouses at mine.

cursedandblessed · Jul 13, 2009

not a single one. i wouldn't have thought of bringing mine anyway (she's 74). we were told not to bring parents, husbands, and definitely no children. yes you do a support system outside of school and one good nursing school friend you can call at 2 am and cry on their shoulder, but from the beginning we learned that rn's are fairly independent and needed to start looking at things that way.

the atmosphere at each school is different, and i'm sure for some of the traditional jr's starting the clinical portion in their early 20's at traditional 4 year colleges parents attending orientation may be the norm.

actually this reminds me, i'm working orientation this week. i hope i get to be the nursing fashion don't. i've always wanted to break the rules. lol

Cilantrophobe · Jul 14, 2009

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

I agree with this statement and would like to add that this also applies to people who assume your parent is overbearing or smothering. I am a little disgusted with some of the judgments that have been made on this thread. Nobody knows you or your mom and having her at orientation does not automatically put you in the codependent category. If you were scared to go alone, I might worry, but that is clearly not the case.

If your school says it okay, then make your choice from there. You say you don't think it is appropriate but that you aren't sure. You either want her there or you don't. We were not allowed to bring anyone but your orientation sounds totally different. My mom is my only parent and my best friend, nursing school and nursing in general seem to require a lot of moral support, and I will soak it up!

AriesPanda · Jul 14, 2009

OOPS. Nevermind! LOL I just noticed the orientation was July 6!

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!

I can honestly say there is nothing wrong with that, let her explore the campus, talk to the campus security, check out the facilities while you are in orientation.

I work in a position at a University with over 2000 incoming freshman each fall. At Orientation there are MANY parents who attend. Yes, there is the helicopter parent stereotype, but there is also just the concerned parents who want to be a part of the experience, not control it. A lot of the parents end up chatting while the students "do their thing" it will be worth it though, when she sees you buying your books and uniform - it is a moment of pride for her!

Let her go with you, she'll be out of the scene soon enough! :) And I promise, you won't be the only one with a parent!

MaritesaRN · Jul 14, 2009

You know, I really do not know as to what is the issue of bringing your family to your orientation. they also deserved to know what is going on since they will be affected by the students hectic schedule and some sacrifices will be made to the families as well , such as no time for them since you will be busy studying up to the early hours in the morning, money help from parents or parent ....yes they are entitled to be there. I am surprise that the school will not even encourage family to join the orientation since this will be a family joy or family grief. Lots of sacrifices and hard work is involved in a nursing school , whether ASN or BSN, and the family will be affected whether they like it or not....so I do not understand as to what is the issue?