Scared my instructors are trying to kick me out

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 28, 2008

It sounds like they gave you specific areas to work on. To get through the rest of the semester, you should be sure to focus on those areas and show improvement that can be documented. The key here is to demonstrate that you heard what they have to say, are addressing the issues they have raised, and are improving.

Document their instructions to you and your response to those instructions as much as you can just in case you later decide to appeal your grade or have someone else review the events.

Finally, before you decide that these instructors are "out to get you" for no reason, do a thorough and brutally honest self-evaluation. Could there be any truth in what they say? Is your stress level interferring with your clinical performance? Would you benefit from a little stress counseling or stress relief? Perhaps it seems like the instructors "have favorites" because it is obvious that they are pleased with those students' level of performance. They may have nothing against you, but are truly concerned about your performance.

In my experience, the "whole truth" usually lies somewhere in the middle between to 2 extreme possible interpretations. Take the weekend to think about things and try to find that middle interpretation that will allow you to use their input to improve your performance without being too hard on yourself emotionally.

Sterlink · Mar 28, 2008

I agree with IIg. You must dig deep and find inside of you where your strengths and weaknesses are. Your story is classic...it is very much how things seem to go. Nursing school is not like any other schooling (save medical school). Your are presparing for a very serious profession. Instructors look for those who can truly make it. I am about to graduate as a midlife career changer. All was going well until I hit senior clinicals. My instructor was less than happy with me...I started getting paranoid especially when I saw how the instructor acted toward other students. But I dug deep, made some major improvements and will likely succeed. Don't think that instructors have favorites...look at it more like this: instructors are pleased when students succeed, and they show it. In my experiences, nursing educators are unique...it is not about moving people along...it's about getting students where they need to be...and most of that comes from inside of us.

nursemike, ASN, RN · Mar 28, 2008

Speaking as someone who has been in much the same position, I feel pretty sure your instructors aren't trying to kick you out. You need to listen to what they're saying. Nursing schools and nursing instructors have absolutely nothing to gain by a student failing--in fact, it's a pretty serious detriment. The higher the pass rate, the better when it comes to accreditation.

As you say, everyone is stressed in nursing school, but not everyone is affected the same way. I was more anxious than I ever imagined I would be in Fundamentals clinicals. I had been dealing with patients for several years in my job, and while I wasn't an aide, I often helped them with baths and toileting, and I was kind of an expert on getting people from beds to wheelchairs. It was different, somehow, as a nursing student, and knowing I was being graded didn't help.

In med-surg, with the med passes, detailed care plans, and more involved care, I went from anxious to near-panic. I was making straight A's, and in danger of not advancing. I had friends who meant well who said my instructor "didn't like me" or was "out to get me because I was a male," and in truth she was pretty tough on me, but she was also my best advocate. I listened to her advice, implemented it as best I could, and focused on clinicals even to the detriment of my other courses. Wound up with a B in Pharmacology, but I didn't flunk out.

I agree with the previous posters that it's important to be able to evaluate yourself as objectively as possible. It's easier to say than do, but it's a skill you will really need when you begin practicing as a new nurse. Stress management is only going to get more important. I'm honestly not trying to scare you, but the first few months as a working nurse make nursing school look easy. Well, maybe not easy, but easier. Seeing your school counselor would probably be helpful. Are there other instructors you feel more comfortable with? You may be able to talk to one of them, or your academic advisor, on a level that doesn't feel as threatening. But you won't get anywhere with "so-and-so is out to get me..." Or you could ask to meet again with one of the instructors who addressed you to discuss specific strategies.

Your problem isn't insurmountable, but it is a challenge. It's also an opportunity, because it's a lot better to work through these issues in school than someday when your patient's heart rate is 30 and respirations are 40.

heavenly14313 · Mar 28, 2008

I have always been well liked by teachers... until nursing school! I don't know what puts me on their bad sad, but without fail, I wind up there. I have been treated AWFUL a many of times. I have had experiences very similar to what you shared. And if you're like me, you're probably feeling embarrassed and disappointed, a little in yourself for not doing as well as others want you to, but a lot in the teachers. My first nursing program was great (I had to switch for 101 personal reasons) with wonderful compassionate teachers. The university I attend now is, well, less compassionate. And that's a quality I, and I think most people, expect in nurses. So, to see someone give you those blank stares and offer no comfort when you're SOOO emotionally upset, is very hurtful, I KNOW!

With all that said, my advice to you is "keep going". If you try to overanalyze the situation and please everyone you will drive yourself crazy. you make your patients your first priority when it comes to making people happy. as for the schoolwork, do what you need to do so that you can be that person to make those patients happy! do things with that attitude, as opposed to pleasing the instructors and you should find some hidden motivation (which I'm assuming you are prolly lacking after such a horrible experience).

I promise, I have been through SOOO much! But now that I changed who I am doing this for, it has really become easy. To get by the next 4 weeks, here is what I encourage you to do.... Set your alarm for each day you need to attend school, get ready as you normally would, and show up! If that is your only goal, to show up, it helps to muster the courage to complete the course. Don't put added pressure on yourself and say "i'm going to go today, and tell the teacher blah blah blah, and do extra yada yada". Just show up. that's all! put on your uniform, park your car, and walk in the door. do that for 4 weeks, and you're done. Next semester you can start over and try to be an overachiever if you please, but for now, just work on 1)getting this semester in the past 2) giving your patients the best care you possibly can!

When somebody gives you numbers (like codes to the door), always right them down. And not because you will get in trouble by your teachers, whom obviously have nothing better to fuss about, but b/c you need that code to take care of your p/t. To give them your best care, you need to be able to access different areas on your floor. So when you hear numbers, remember to write them down, so you can access whatever your patient may need. And with the bedpan issue. Again, remember your goal.. to please your patient not your teacher. If that's your goal, you will not worry about the absolute correct way, but you WILL find a way b/c you know you're patient NEEDS YOU TO! Think about what they are asking (the patient) then think about how you can make that happen. This has worked for me as opposed to trying to think back to what the textbook/teacher said I should do if blah blah blah (although sometimes you will need to do that, but not usually in first semester).

Keep your head up! I promise I have been where you are, and much worse! I am STILL going through it. but my goal on mondays and tuesdays are to do well enough to get me by another week so I can take care of my patient on Thurs and Fri. They are the ones that NEED me so that's where I put my focus!

Hope that helps some!

NURSEOK5 · Mar 28, 2008

all i can say is there is a weeding out process in nursing school. if you are unsure about a skill or remembering a combination to a door, make notes and carry them with you in your pocket for quick reference. spend more time in the lab working on skills if you need to, verbalize every step outloud to yourself, if your hands are shaky, count to 10, take a deep breath and continue your procedure or skill. clinicals is probably the most difficult process because you are being watched at all times. the stress level is incredible. i have seen instructors be direct and honest with students and sometimes it is not pretty, but you will be a stronger nurse if you can learn to adjust and remember this is a process not an event. if you only have a few weeks left enlist the advise of an instuctor you are comfortable with for extra support and guidance. crying in front of the instructors, it is not there job to be sympathetic, it is there job to make sure you are a competent nurse. rise above the emotional and hurt feelings, chin up and do the best job you can do..........prove that you are going to be a great nurse.:coollook:

scrapbookcrazy, ADN · Mar 28, 2008

This is from an old dog (44) learning new tricks. I am a first year nursing student but have life experience. Sometimes the easiest thing to do is blame someone else for what maybe your own problem. However, I know that now after them talking to you, you will be under more stress during clinicals because you know "they are watching you".

I hear you about the stone face from people that are supposed to be caring. But how bad do you want this? If you want to be a nurse you will have to look at what they are saying even if you don't think it is true, they do. It isn't going to get easier for a long time. Rather than excuse yourself because they are picking on you - face the issue head on. It will be hard and you may stress out more but even if you don't think you are doing anything wrong, they will be the one's that fail or pass you so you need to play along with it. Who knows, you may realize they were right but no matter what don't argue or become defensive because that will only make you look petty and immature.

What have you done to relax? It is hard sometimes but you will be better off if you can just take a day off and do something for you! Maybe that isn't possible then try an hour or two. Everyone handles stress differently (I cry)! Not very professional but oh well.

The other people that replied are correct, freshman year is time to see what you are made of and they don't get any points etc if you fail so maybe go to them and ask them to give you the name of someone you could talk to or if maybe one of the other instructors to be your mentor.- You need to find an ally or you won't make it.

Good luck!

jackson145 · Mar 28, 2008

I've talked to a lot of nurses about their NS experiences. It's almost universal to be treated like crap by instructors. The consensus is that NS is about seeing how much crap you are willing to put up with to become a nurse. It's truly no surprise that there is a shortage of nurses, is it?

From what everyone has told me, it appears that you need to adopt a "me against them mentality" to survive clinicals.

They aren't there to help you-they are there to trip you up and destroy your confidence.

If they were there to help, they'd answer questions, demonstrate things more than once, and be accountable for test questions/answers that they can't explain.

Miami NightNurse · Mar 28, 2008

Teachers can be nasty. If you are overly stressing out they may be concerned that as a nurse you will lose it. So most important thing is for you to learn to relax. Try different relaxation techiques- like deep breathing. I get overly stressed sometimes and I have to take deep breaths and calm myself down. I believe everyone gets stressed we just need to learn to calm ourselves down. Good Luck!!! Hang in there!!!

Eirene, ASN, RN · Mar 28, 2008

Oh dear.

Hang in there girlie. When my peers told me about some issues with instructors-- I secretly thought, "What are they doing to screw up?" and, "Why are they blaming the instructor?" Because obviously, I thought instructors were there to help.

I had a rude awakening this quarter. My instructor was brutal. Yes... there are a ton of things I needed to improve on. Yes... my time management stunk. There's where they come in-- they help you grow as a student and a future nurse. Instead I was harassed; called names, was told I needed bariatric surgery, etc. When she attacked me on my clinical skills, I'd reply, "Yes, ma'am" and improve. When she saw that she couldn't get me on my clinical skills, she began attacking me on a more personal level. She did her best to make me cry; but she failed. I've been in nursing school for 2 years and have never had an issue until last quarter. It was true hell.

Here is my advice. Take their comments and learn from them. Write down codes. If you have a small elderly patient or an ortho patient, use a fracture bedpan. Try taking deep breaths during procedures-- that helps with controlling the shaking. Walk tall with your head up-- that shows self-confidence.

Most of all-- don't let them see you cry. They aren't worth your tears.

Keep your chin up and keep reaching toward your goal.

xoxo, Dani.

Skeletor · Mar 28, 2008

Yo wannabenurse69,

Don't let anyone, teacher or classmate, ever break you down, don't give someone that power over you, they bleed just like you and I. :up:Take your clinical time as it comes, one week at a time, don't even think about the number of times you have until your finished with the semester. Think about it, look around in the hospitals today and tell yourself if these nurses that you see walking around did it, you sure as hell can. Your only goal is to finish each day of school, be it lecture, lab, clinical or study time. If you think big your stress level will be big. I have had similiar experiences as yourself and to me the best feeling, in my opinion, is when I walked out of the hospital after my clinical was complete with a smile from ear to ear. Kill em with kindness and save the cries for those that you love:)

You will succeed.

garnetbeauty82 · Mar 29, 2008

I have been blessed to have some wonderful clinical instructors I am in my second year of nursing school and have heard some horror stories....I completely understand how you feel they are "picking on you". I had a clinical instructor that once told our clinical group that nursing is one profession where they "eat their young". Whether that be your instructors or the nurses on the floors you are practicing on. So we have to learn to have some thick skin. Whatever your instructors are telling you take it and turn it around...make them see you are willing to change whatever they think you need to "work on" practice makes perfect. And sometime no matter what you do you wont completly please that instructor. I have run in to every semester our clinical instrutor has preferred something different done on nursing care plans...what made one instructor happy wasnt sufficent for another, so you have to learn to adapt to their wishes...its unfortunate but its true...but dont give up! You can do this! The fact that you were bothered by it is understandable but thats what having a good support system is for! I hope things turn around for you and Im certain you can do it! Good luck hun!

Tisha