SCC Block One Hazing

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2010

without specifics it's hard for me to assume what you experienced. at glendale you definitely have to go with the flow and be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there, no exceptions. i think that's pretty standard, as it should be. we have great support there, a counselor who is specifically for the nursing students, mentors from higher blocks available to you, and all of the staff seem like they are intent on helping each student succeed.

Asystole RN · Oct 28, 2010

Hard to say what you are seeing is the norm without any details. Can you specify particular circumstances?

forestlakemommy · Oct 31, 2010

I would guess the first semester is similar to what are called "weeder" classes at universities. The class is difficult (not extremely so but definitely not a cakewalk) and limited assistance is given so you can jump in and get your feet wet and know exactly what is expected of you. Many times this lets instructors (and students!) know whether this major (or occupation, in this case) is really right for them and if they have the wherewithall to succeed in this type of environment. I would just try to do the absolute best you can and set up study groups or something with your classmates. Also, you may want to consider nursing is a very stressful field, and classes are just the beginning. I hope things work out for you and things get easier as you go on! Good luck.

Bormio · Nov 1, 2010

I do know what you mean, but it isn't like feeder classes, which are theory-based. It isn't hard from an academic point of view. I find it more like an endurance test. I do believe that in an applied program, instructors need to spend the majority of time working with students on specific skills and less time lecturing, which is information that can be learned through reading and independent learning.

Thanks for the support, though, and you're right nursing is stressful too, and so I need to be prepared for that!

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2010

I do know what you mean, but it isn't like feeder classes, which are theory-based. It isn't hard from an academic point of view. I find it more like an endurance test. I do believe that in an applied program, instructors need to spend the majority of time working with students on specific skills and less time lecturing, which is information that can be learned through reading and independent learning.
Thanks for the support, though, and you're right nursing is stressful too, and so I need to be prepared for that!

this is normal, at least in my case. i was surprised when i started how much lecture and theory it is, compared to how little skills. try to embrace it now- block one is super light compared to the blocks ahead. block 2 is a whole new ball game, at least for my class it is. we all felt like deer in headlights for block 2 (d/t the amount of knowledge required, we feel like we don't get nearly enough lecture!), and now that it's nearing completion we are just finally adjusting to it.

AZMOMO2 · Nov 6, 2010

Nursing as a career is an endurance test. Nursing school is a cake walk compared to the types of environments there are out there in the working world. Somedays everyone is out to get you, when all you want to do is help. Nursing school will be over soon and you'll look back with mixed emotions. I hated it and miss it all at the same time. Which is why I keep going back.

Good luck.. you can do it!

tootie235 · Nov 8, 2010

After a lot of thought I have decided that I am going to comment on this .... This really irritates the heck out of me because you do not hold yourself accountable for anything that is happening in your Block 1 class.

The instructors are terrific and being that is a COLLEGE class that YOU have to pay for the instructors are not doing anything to punish anyone. From day one with this program all the instructors have opened their doors to all the students and offered help. If you feel that you do not understand something and need clarification all that is asked is that you make an appointment to go in and see the instructor of your choosing and they will help you.

Honestly the instructors have and do go out of their way to make sure they are available when we need them.

The instruction for this program is great! I feel very lucky to have been chosen to be in this program.

One more thing.... from the start all the students in both the traditional and partnership programs were told that being prepared, on time, and following instructions would yield the best results. We were also told that they would be there to help us succeed.

Being that this is a program that WE chose to accept the instructors are not going to hold our hands and walk us through. This is college not elementary, Jr. High or High school. We are all adults and all need to be accountable for our own actions.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2010

You need to post specifics. What you have written thus far has nothing do with "Hazing".

True "hazing" involves physical and mental abuse, often focused more on some individuals rather than others, as a socalled means of fostering a sense of brother/sister hood or a rite of passage.

Have any instructors screamed obscenities at, rousted you from your bed at midnight and made you march in 15 degree weather, beaten you with paddles, etc? That would be hazing.

Merely requiring you to adhere to rules, expecting you to do your work and get adequate established grades, without someone holding your hand, and without excuses is not hazing.

Now, please let us know specifics so that we can determine whether "hazing" is occurring.

HJS27 · Nov 8, 2010

:crying2: Unfortunately, most program orientations do not adequately get across the idea that ALL your actions/interactions related to the nursing program reflect on, not only you, and your school/program, but the nursing profession in general. Students tend to go into the nursing program expecting to act, dress, and study like they did while taking their prerequisites. :down: That mind-set must go out the window now.

:confused: Nursing programs tend to catch many students off-guard. Nursing prerequisites are BASIC information courses. Once you are in the nursing program the entire picture changes. The program is designed to prepare you to be a learned critical thinker...not just a student regurgitating facts in order to pass a test. Nurses must know the facts, be able to think critically to analyze the situation, and formulate steps to take based on that information. Failure at any of these steps may cost someone their life. :eek: Really.

Think of being in the nursing program as getting a JOB learning to be a nurse. :nurse:

DRESS PROFESSIONALLY. When you prepare for class you can dress casually, but professionally. Do your hair. Pay attention to how your instructors dress and mirror them. You will be surprised at how the instructors may treat those students who do differently. (Think about how you would/will dress for an off-shift staff meeting at the hospital. Short shorts? Holey jeans? Rubber flip-flops?) :lol2:

FOLLOW THE RULES AND DON'T ARGUE. The instructors are your boss. You don't have to agree with them, you just have to do what they say. And, yes, they might actually be wrong...that doesn't change the fact that they are in charge. Deal with it...wine works.

BE ON TIME. Would you consistently breeze into work late? Same goes for school. (Yes, I know you are paying for their "services"...but, trust me, treat it like a job and it will go well for you.)

BE PREPARED. Same principle applies...just as you would not show up for a presentation at work and wing it, do not show up for lecture without downloading/printing the powerpoints, reading the assigned material, etc.

AND, STUDY YOUR BUTT OFF! Block one is a baby step. If block one is tough for you, block two will kick your butt...maybe all the way out of the program. DO NOT use block one as a measure of the rest of nursing school...if you do, you just might fail out. :crying2: Really. Locate students who are ahead of you in your program and pick their brains about successful study strategies. Figure out how YOU learn best and adapt your learning style to your program...if you are a note card person, make note cards...you know what works for you by now, stick with it...this is not the time to completely revamp your study style.

KEY POINT: You MUST learn to analyze and answer NCLEX STYLE QUESTIONS. :yeah: (Yes, they really ARE that different.) BUY AN NCLEX BOOK OR TWO. NO, it is not too early to do this. And, before you jump into the questions (everyone does), read, REALLY READ, the chapter about how to read/analyze NCLEX style questions. Some people naturally get this...most do not. If you don't master this, you are going to be miserable and may fail out. Really.

Best of luck to you. Now, go study something. :nurse:

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2010

Unfortunately, most program orientations do not adequately get across the idea that ALL your actions/interactions related to the nursing program reflect on, not only you, and your school/program, but the nursing profession in general. Students tend to go into the nursing program expecting to act, dress, and study like they did while taking their prerequisites. That mind-set must go out the window now.
Nursing programs tend to catch many students off-guard. Nursing prerequisites are BASIC information courses. Once you are in the nursing program the entire picture changes. The program is designed to prepare you to be a learned critical thinker...not just a student regurgitating facts in order to pass a test. Nurses must know the facts, be able to think critically to analyze the situation, and formulate steps to take based on that information. Failure at any of these steps may cost someone their life. Really.
Think of being in the nursing program as getting a JOB learning to be a nurse.
DRESS PROFESSIONALLY. When you prepare for class you can dress casually, but professionally. Do your hair. Pay attention to how your instructors dress and mirror them. You will be surprised at how the instructors may treat those students who do differently. (Think about how you would/will dress for an off-shift staff meeting at the hospital. Short shorts? Holey jeans? Rubber flip-flops?)
FOLLOW THE RULES AND DON'T ARGUE. The instructors are your boss. You don't have to agree with them, you just have to do what they say. And, yes, they might actually be wrong...that doesn't change the fact that they are in charge. Deal with it...wine works.
BE ON TIME. Would you consistently breeze into work late? Same goes for school. (Yes, I know you are paying for their "services"...but, trust me, treat it like a job and it will go well for you.)
BE PREPARED. Same principle applies...just as you would not show up for a presentation at work and wing it, do not show up for lecture without downloading/printing the powerpoints, reading the assigned material, etc.
AND, STUDY YOUR BUTT OFF! Block one is a baby step. If block one is tough for you, block two will kick your butt...maybe all the way out of the program. DO NOT use block one as a measure of the rest of nursing school...if you do, you just might fail out. Really. Locate students who are ahead of you in your program and pick their brains about successful study strategies. Figure out how YOU learn best and adapt your learning style to your program...if you are a note card person, make note cards...you know what works for you by now, stick with it...this is not the time to completely revamp your study style.
KEY POINT: You MUST learn to analyze and answer NCLEX STYLE QUESTIONS. (Yes, they really ARE that different.) BUY AN NCLEX BOOK OR TWO. NO, it is not too early to do this. And, before you jump into the questions (everyone does), read, REALLY READ, the chapter about how to read/analyze NCLEX style questions. Some people naturally get this...most do not. If you don't master this, you are going to be miserable and may fail out. Really.
Best of luck to you. Now, go study something.

i would give this 1,000 kudos if i could.

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Nov 12, 2010

i would give this 1,000 kudos if i could.

Agreed. You hit the nail on the head.