Just wondering if my experience in Block One at SCC is typical. It seems as if the program is oriented towards punishment as opposed to reward. The instructors do everything possible to make things as difficult as possible (logistically) and inconvenient. They don't provide support, counseling or assistance to students and as an "applied program", their attitude and approach is counterintuitive and counterproductive. I feel like we are being "hazed".
I think a quality program has a high degree of rigor along with a high degree of instructor involvement and support.
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 think this is great advice. I start in January & I will keep this in mind. I feel like I know I'm about to face the toughest thing I have ever been through in my life and yet I don't even really know what exactly is ahead of me. I have class 2 days a week (including a clinical day) and I am prepping myself for that to equal 40-60 hours a week (as I've been informed it ends up being.) I'm so very excited, yet so extremely nervous!!! :) I have heard/read a few times that starting off with an NCLEX study guide/book is a good start. Thanks for the post!
Honestly I do not see how I was personally attack you or anyone. I was merely stating facts. I posted what I have directly observed because I am in the class as well. I do not see how you or anyone in the class could accuse the program or instructors of hazing. I do not understand how anyone could come to class and sleep and then blame their downfall on others. This is not directed at you but what I can honestly say is that I have observed you and other students in class sleeping during lecture, how is this appropriate? It shows lack of respect for those conducting the class and the other students that are there to learn.
Now to move on to your definition of hazing as posted above... I have never and I know of other students in the same class that have never been harassed by any of the staff with unnecessary or disagreeable work. All the work that is given to us in lecture and labs is absolutely necessary for learning and being able to perform the skills and express our knowledge of the subject matter. All of the reading, lectures, power points, skills labs, and self learning is essential to preparing those of us in the program to be a competent nurse. I can also say that I have never seen or heard any of the instructors harass anyone with banter, ridicule or criticism. If at any time there was any criticism it was always positive in the way it was delivered and it was necessary to promote learning and understanding, never to belittle or make someone feel bad about themselves. Constructive criticism is essential especially in this type of program.
I am sorry if you thought I was personally attacking you as that was never my intention however I felt it was my right to voice my opinion on what I read and what I have seen with my own eyes.
I wish you well and hope that in the future you can learn that we all have to be accountable for our own actions in order to ensure our success in all that we do.
Well, good for you tootie and best of luck in nursing. I might kindly suggest that you review your lecture on research as it may aid you in determining fact from opinion, objective data from subjective data. A key aspect of nursing and, for all of those who work in healthcare, is the ability to empathize and refrain from making judgements about others. Your experience may be vastly different from others in the same situation. It is great that you have a positive attitude, but I would be very careful about making generalizations. If you check your research lecture, you will see that this is referred to as invalid data due to a limited sample size (i.e. you).
Bormio, were you the only student that felt this way? Because if you failed to take the time to talk to any of your classmates then you are the limited sample size you are referring to. And it also sounds like you may be passing judgement when you make references to hazing! Good luck to you and hope you find a program that fits your personailty.
ChrissyLove123
40 Posts
I think this is great advice. I start in January & I will keep this in mind. I feel like I know I'm about to face the toughest thing I have ever been through in my life and yet I don't even really know what exactly is ahead of me. I have class 2 days a week (including a clinical day) and I am prepping myself for that to equal 40-60 hours a week (as I've been informed it ends up being.) I'm so very excited, yet so extremely nervous!!! :) I have heard/read a few times that starting off with an NCLEX study guide/book is a good start. Thanks for the post!