what qualities do professors want to see in their nrsing students?

LoveActually · Mar 20, 2009

Taking responsibility for and embracing your learning experience. Owning your mistakes. Dialoguing with your instructors about your performance. Minimal complaining and whining. Being early. Dressing and acting professionally.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 20, 2009

what makes a good student stand out among the rest?

the sooner that you realize that you will be among the best students and you will not stand out in a good way should help to humble you now. no one really stands out in nursing school as the best ... even the "a" students (i was one of several) has weaknesses and bad days... nursing instructors in general will not fall all over themselves because of one student... no one gets that kind of attention in nursing school. everyone has it hard and very few ever hear a compliment especially for meeting expectations…. the students that stand out are the ones that do so in a bad way because he/she did not meet expectations... (see above post for expectations). gl!

NRSLDT · Mar 20, 2009

I just graduated in May of 2008. I don't think instructors think you are good enough until you finish. Honestly, the biggest thing is to learn how to think like a nurse. You cannot store all the information you hear or read. At least I do not think so. But to sincerely be compassionate, respectful and to give your all is so important. If you have a hard time with your instructors how will you handle communicating with the doctors. Have confidence in yourself.

AOx1 · Mar 20, 2009

All of my students stand out for various reasons. There is something pretty amazing about all of them as people. Some are funny, others very compassionate, some excel in academics, others in clinical. I have yet to find one that there was nothing about them that was unique and wonderful.

As a student, what stands out is an honest desire to learn and push themself to try new things, willingness to change and to help others change, compassion, hard work, and working well as a team. Taking accountability for your mistakes is very helpful to your learning.

Some not-so-good means of standing out:

Although I never willingly listen to student gossip, sometimes I can't help but overhear it in the halls, etc. I lose a lot of respect for those I hear being cruel to classmates. I also hate laziness and arrogance. Annoying in any field, but deadly in this one.

lovehospital · Mar 20, 2009

I just graduated in May of 2008. I don't think instructors think you are good enough until you finish. Honestly, the biggest thing is to learn how to think like a nurse. You cannot store all the information you hear or read. At least I do not think so. But to sincerely be compassionate, respectful and to give your all is so important. If you have a hard time with your instructors how will you handle communicating with the doctors. Have confidence in yourself.

I agree.Just think like a nurse and try to apply what you learn from theory to the real practice.I think coming prepared to the clinical is more important then coming earlier.If you love nursing your passion and interest will show through your performance.Maintain calm and focused,dont rush with answers,think through your action,instructors like to see a nursing student who is focused and competent in providing nursing care.Appear interested,ask if you can watch other students performing procedure,be eager and enthusiastic learner,know your meds,suprise your teacher by giving teaching to the patient (be confident and dont think that just because you are a student you cant teach something patient,yes you can.Pay attention to details and provide therapeutic communication with patients,if the patients like talking to you the instructor will notice that,I promise:)

chicookie, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2009

I think the biggest thing is students not "pleasing" their instructors. Focus on patient care, know what you are doing, ask questions, take the most out of your nursing school experience and they will see that.

DonnerDawg · Mar 20, 2009

All of my students stand out for various reasons. There is something pretty amazing about all of them as people. Some are funny, others very compassionate, some excel in academics, others in clinical. I have yet to find one that there was nothing about them that was unique and wonderful.
As a student, what stands out is an honest desire to learn and push themself to try new things, willingness to change and to help others change, compassion, hard work, and working well as a team. Taking accountability for your mistakes is very helpful to your learning.
Some not-so-good means of standing out:
Although I never willingly listen to student gossip, sometimes I can't help but overhear it in the halls, etc. I lose a lot of respect for those I hear being cruel to classmates. I also hate laziness and arrogance. Annoying in any field, but deadly in this one.

I had a professor like you for Nursing I. She lead by example, really enjoyed being an instructor, and is the example I think of every single time the going gets tough. The foundation she built for me continues to inspire me professionally.

Thanks for being one of the 'good guys!' :)

Flare, ASN, BSN · Mar 20, 2009

A good attitude will get you very far. Arrogance, negativity, and laziness are three of the biggest pitfalls. Personal accountability is also key. If you are willing to own up to and learn from your mistakes, the instructor will be a bit more forgiving than if you try to hide what you did. And be willing to learn. Just because you've taken blood pressures before doesn't mean that your technique is flawless and you could miss out on some fabulous pearl of wisdom that you'll add to the necklace of your career.