Juanito

I'll just say this. I'm probably on my way out of education. As much as I enjoy teaching, some of these students make my work life hell. After being away from bedside for a while, I think I can appreciate it a bit more.

Regardless of what they thought, they did not coddle us. Not sure what they thought about others, but I was the nerdy type. Very eager to learn. Top of my class. I'm different from many of my peers though. My parents were black and of the Silent generation, born in the 1920s and 1930s. I was born in the 70s. If anything, they probably thought I was an over achiever.

We actually do! We have class participation which includes coming to class on time. FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS AT THAT! Waking up is too stressful and causes anxiety ❄️ A reward is required ????

Heaven knows some parts are boring and tedious. Surprisingly, there are people with more knowledge, experience and authority. Who'd have thunk it possible? LOL

Somehow they don't understand that habits build character.

Yes, I agree it may be time for some to retire. When they do, we will have to adapt again to an even larger shortage of educators. Things have to change across the board. My background sounds similar to yours, except I loved my RN program and thrived in it. Our program is planning courses based on the new DNP essentials. I include videos, case studies, lectures, in person discussions, personal reflections, simulations and anything else I can to help them learn. The one thing I have grown to appreciate even more over the last year is that you cannot please everyone, no matter how hard you try.

I have my DNP. Starting my PhD. This will be my topic of research. How dO we change to Fit their needs? Do WE need to change?

Problem is that some students learn from lectures. Some Want to be there to hear you speak. Others do not. Some of my lectures are boring, I know it and there's nothing I can do to change it without someone complaining unfortunately. I have to remind them that I'm trying to reach every student. But they don't care. It's all about them.

Feedback given to In my end of semester feed back, I was that they didn't want to think it through. They just wanted the answer. Sad but true.

I'm not a boomer and I feel like I'm their parents. I'm Gen X. This students are... something.

In my short year in education, I've learned when you hold them accountable, administration over rules you or make you work so hard to justify your grade. It's almost a no win situation, and these nurses will be taking care of us all.

My first year in and I'm giving it one more. We support them in everything, but who supports us.

Know ACLS. Know CCRN stuff. Know your ICU drugs and experiences. Be active in your unit committees. Don't bs the bs'ers. Be yourself We know you look good on paper, how do you do fit as a person. Are you teachable?. Do you have a life outside of anesthesia. Hobbies, exercise, support. Know the difference between DNP and PhD. Just stuff I remember from sitting in the interviews.

I just want to say. I feel like everything I do is wrong in my new job. I wonder if I'm fit as a nurse educator. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells all the time. Did any of you feel this way? I've never had to be so extremely professional with so many people at one time in my entire 25 year professional career! It's like the only time I'm sure that I'm not making a mistake is if I'm quiet and not teaching. It was way easier in the OR/floor though I love this job more.. I didn't have a flexible schedule, but I wasn't questioning my every step and word. The only reason I took the position in education was for the flexibility as I'm a single parent. I loved teaching/precepting/coaching before, and I loved being a nurse. Now I'm always worried about lawsuits from students, more than patients. I'm not even allowed to be a person with my students. Just a lecturer/test giver (oh also therapist, mother, father, sister, brother, spiritualist and everything else). I'm not leaving my job EVER. It's only been a year, but I'm concerned about the future. Any advice on how to make it more tolerable? I remembered what I experienced as a student and wanted to make it better, now I see the other side. These students are OOC and so entitled! I feel like I'm selling a product, not educating healthcare professionals. I think I'm more sad about the state of educational institutions/professionals than anything. What are we doing? Why are we graduating subpar students? Why am I punished for being the professor that won't pass these entitled whining students? I'm not actively failing anyone. Everyone gets the same exam.. Are private universities better (vs state)?

I am happier than I have ever been! It’s not about the money. I’m teaching anesthesia and I have my DNP now. I absolutely love continuous learning and students. I still work clinically, but not everyday. I’ve taught ADNs, techs, and CNAs. I’m truly happy now. I don’t earn what clinical staff do, but I’m happy. My daughter has her dad. Things are beautiful. Life is good. I hope the students can see how much I care because I do. I really found my passion. Happy Birthday to you and #2!