"Tell me somethin' good"-How to secure a mindset

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Good afternoon all, I begin ns Aug. 24. With a little background: I use to be a very emotional person, crying at the drop of a hat, very defensive and sensitive. About 2 to 3 years ago I learned about law of attraction and using that as a positive mindset to change ones thoughts and behaviour. I became positive and in control of my thoughts and outlook and it changed my life. I am no longer defensive and I use my emotions appropriately. I am a little concerned that with Nursing instructors being harsh that I will lose focus and come to tears. Now I really am set on NOT letting this happen, but can anyone tell me some thought strategies to focus on while being reamed by instructor. I want to focus and learn from everything and not allow emotions to sneak up. Is there any trick one can do to stay in the present moment while being harshly corrected by instructor. I welcome all comments and advice!!!:heartbeat:nurse::heartbeat

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I hope someone posts some good advice because I can be pretty sensitive too!!

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Specializes in PICU/Pedi.
Good afternoon all, I begin ns Aug. 24. With a little background: I use to be a very emotional person, crying at the drop of a hat, very defensive and sensitive. About 2 to 3 years ago I learned about law of attraction and using that as a positive mindset to change ones thoughts and behaviour. I became positive and in control of my thoughts and outlook and it changed my life. I am no longer defensive and I use my emotions appropriately. I am a little concerned that with Nursing instructors being harsh that I will lose focus and come to tears. Now I really am set on NOT letting this happen, but can anyone tell me some thought strategies to focus on while being reamed by instructor. I want to focus and learn from everything and not allow emotions to sneak up. Is there any trick one can do to stay in the present moment while being harshly corrected by instructor. I welcome all comments and advice!!!:heartbeat:nurse::heartbeat

Good post! I, too, am familiar with the law of attraction and have been using it to the best of my ability. I am a much more positive person than ever becasue of it. I have yet to be reamed by an instructor, though, so no help there. I hope that we will get some good advice.

Maybe we should do what they say to do when you get nervous during a speech, and imagine them naked! :bugeyes:

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I'd say first, don't go into nursing school automatically assuming that you will be reamed by a professor. That just sets up an adversarial relationship right from the start, which won't help your learning (and will probably make you nervous, both of which are likely to lead to mistakes). When you are corrected - and you will be, hopefully in a professional manner - try to remember that the goal is to help you learn, not to embarrass you. Also, in any situation where I'm not being treated with respect or I'm getting upset, I try to remind myself that I can only be responsible for myself and that it's not worth getting into it with someone who's being irrational or on a power trip. Instead, the louder/angrier they get, the more calm/quiet I get. Then I wait until I'm alone or with friends before I get fired up. I'd have to say that if you're being screamed at, it's no longer a learning experience and you can give yourself permission to tune it out and focus on yourself!

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Some years ago I read a couple of books by David J. Lieberman. I can't remember the titles, but one book was about anger, self-estem, self confidence, and how to handle with people who are critical, uncooperative, and never wrong. It all leads back to a person's ego. The second book I read was about mood, different personalities, and- once again- self esteem. I found those books to be really edifying.

As for staying focus, sometimes that's hard. You don't want to speak/act without thinking first. Then you don't want to resent yourself for not reacting a certain away. I remember a preacher saying that the voice in your head is not your true voice and that when you react emotionally, it's your ego in control- and you don't want the ego in control because it seeks approval from other people. When someone treats you good, you feel good. When someone treats you bad, then you feel bad. You should remain uneffected by both.

Hope this helps some!

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In my experience, nursing instructors are positive, encouraging and professional individuals who are there to help you learn and to challenge you to reach your full potential. I cannot imagine any of the professors in our program yelling, cursing or belittling a student. Those behaviors are neither professional nor conducive to learning.

They have told us that if we encounter a rude/combative/unprofessional nurse in the course of our clinical rotations, to simply say, "I do not deserve this kind of treatment. If you have a serious issue with the quality of care I'm providing, please feel free to inform my instructor," and then to walk away. I've never encountered anyone like this in a clinical situation, but we've all run into rude people occasionally.

People who act out in these kinds of ways are usually angry/stressed about things totally unrelated to the situation at hand...they just don't have adequate coping skills. So, rather than dealing with the actual problem, they lash out at innocent people around them. Just repeat to yourself, "This is not personal, this is not personal...."

:redbeathe

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I have never been spoken to unprofessionally by an instructor. The only time I've seen them get irritated is when they've explained something, and the student wasn't listening, and re-asked the question. Also, I'm not afraid to ask for clarification. One time, an instructor kept using the word "hemovac" and I had never seen it. Raising my hand, I said, "I'm sure this is in the material, but what is a hemovac?" The instructor smiled and said, "I'm so sorry. It's an IV pump. They're not called that anymore, but I still say it. Sorry." The other students behind me whispered, "Thanks, we didn't know either, but didn't want to look stupid." Sigh.

Again, according to the law of attraction, if you expect negativity, you will get it. If I get hit with something I don't know, I smile and say, "I don't know right now, but by post-conference I will have that answer for you." Good enough, usually.

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Great post... i think alot of us nursing students are sensitive and tend to take constructive criticism in the wrong way. In my experience with my professors i havent encountered any that have intentionally been rude or belittling. They are out to make you the best nurse you can be and if that means toughening you up alittle that is what they will do. Dont go into nursing school thinking that they are all out to get you. The professors are wanting to see you be successful. Good luck to you and your future in nursing.

Amanda T.- Elseveir Student Ambassador

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