cthomas

If I may respond - I'm a student (and hopefully in clinicals this Fall!:)). From reading your posts, I see you have a very precise style of giving good information with a minimum amount of words. Excellent quality in an instructor for a student trying to digest so much info in a short time. However, if the students complaining to you are younger, they may be products of our school systems that value self esteem - and they are used to being somewhat coddled and viewed as part of a team. Not their fault, but they sure have a disadvantage in college when they encounter instructors with your precise style! In addition, obtaining a nursing degree is very stressful because we have so much competition. A student's plea to "be friends" may possibly be translated as "be friendly". Yes, it's your job to teach, and not be friends. Buddy buddy instructors dial down stress levels, but direct instructors challenge thinking. A truly golden instructor carries both qualities of friendliness coupled with no nonsense teaching. Nursing students are stressed as we maneuver in a competitive program. If a student questions you in an abrupt, challenging way, they are probably ready to melt in a puddle of nerves! Direct information delivered with a smile (or kind eye!) should help!

Interesting view, I'll be looking for your next post.