I am in my first quarter of nursing school at age 33. I carried a high gpa through pre-reqs and am doing very well academically. I appreciate what I believe are the big-picture elements of nursing: service to those in need, timely critical thinking, teamwork..etc.
However, I'm having a very real and very problematic issue over the last several weeks with nature of this schooling, and perhaps with the other nature of this profession. In specific: I deeply dislike being set up to look foolish then being criticized. I deeply dislike the fake scenarios and hokie role-playing which insults our intelligence. I have trouble with procedures being evaluated on robotic step-by-step lockstep process rather than by principles: i.e. asepsis is asepsis whether or not I do step 2 before step 3, to suggest otherwise is insulting to me, as the concept of contamination is so simple.
I think many people have these issues, but I'm finding myself challenged to be able to stuff my well-earned sense of pride and dignity and be able to remain contrite in these situations rather than stating my case. I'm likely going to fail if I can't resolve this, as clearly the role of the nurse is one of a cheerful, resilient, doormat-type who takes this sort of thing in stride. This cheerful/obedient/contrite mentality has never been a part of my personality, and I'm struggling to fake it and failing at times when I feel like there's no logic behind the criticisms or no way to succeed with the parameters we've been given (so we're set up to fail, then criticized for failing.) I've walked out of practice sessions with classmates and had disagreements with faculty in these situations, all of which I regret because it reflects poorly on my ability to take the abuse nurses are expected to take.
I'm looking for any/all advice with regard to approaching these situations and maintaining a level head.
For real. I'm around 30 and some of the mickey mouse and flaky **** we have to do...but you gotta be mature enough to just play the game; get good enough grades for the possibility of grad work.
frankly, it's school and once u get out of school nurses aren't at the top of the food chain, so it happens. most docs don't give 2 sharts what you think, really, they're the doc and you're the nurse.
there are many ways to skin a cat and the docs way or your employer's policy will be the way you do it, if you want to keep a job.
you've got to know when to pick a fight, when it involves your pride or dignity those aren't the right times, patient safety is it and some times cost effectiveness. otherwise, do as you're told.
lxpatterson
62 Posts
For real. I'm around 30 and some of the mickey mouse and flaky **** we have to do...but you gotta be mature enough to just play the game; get good enough grades for the possibility of grad work.