1st Week in Nursing School

[Frazzled_One]

Hi everyone I am new to the board and not even sure that I am posting in the right place, but if Im not Im sure site admin will let me know. Anyway, I am about to wrap up my first week of nursing school. Was it overwhelming for me? Yes! . But I plan to come up with a color-coded system for myself to help me get better organized. However, I have been thinking about some things. I transferred to this university (choosing to remain anonymous, some of them may be on this site) from another school where I finished all my pre-nursing courses so I really don't know anyone. I am although very receptive in getting to know people, I have no problem going up to strangers and introducing myself and getting acquainted with them. But I am noticing at this university the people I am with in this BSN program already have established cliques and aren't interested in getting to know new people. How do I know that? Because I tried! I tried introducing myself to some of the people whose names I recognized from the distance ed class and I got several cold shoulders. People have been told to form study groups and everyone mainly migrates to the people they know. I asserted myself and asked to join one of the study groups and the girl said yes. Later I found them meeting up and studying and not informing me....yes we have been studying this first week. It is a bit preposterous to me that people are still like this. We are supposed to be nursing students so wouldn't you try thinking like a nurse? As a nurse would you give a new patient the cold shoulder just because you are used to the older ones? I don't think so.

Another thing that is making me feel discouraged about this program are the nursing instructors. Things they do seem to be a bit unorthodox, such as telling us things at the last minute because they "forgot" or not giving us important papers they knew we would need and that we had no access to. I know this is a busy week but they knew way ahead of time this week was coming so why are they behind?

This university I am in is not even ranked in the top nursing schools in my state so I already feel so cheated. I did apply to them (the top schools in my state) however because I know any nursing school that has Zoology as a prerequisite looks at nursing as more than just having basic skills to work in a hospital and with people alone. I did apply there however they only took so many. I do consider myself to be a model student but not as if Im above everyone in this program but I take nursing as something very serious and something that is very much needed. I feel I could have gone into a better, more advanced program but this is the one that got back to me so I guess it is where I am supposed to be. I am having doubts though. I am thinking about re-applying to the other schools because I feel dumb for just going with the first school that called me. Im not sure what to do yet. But I do not like dealing with unorganized instructors and I am hoping the way the people are in this program does not become a trend. I just need help and encouragement for anyone willing to talk to me. Thanks!

[kvdlr]

I am so sorry to hear this, but don't worry it will get better. Don't let anyone or anything stop you. I know it is very hard to deal with, but you just have to deal with it and give it some time. I'm sure you'll make friends in the long run. Give yourself a break, it's only your first week.

As for the study group, it really depends on what type of a learner you are. Some learn by forming study groups, studying by themselves, or a small group (1-3 people), practice questions. For me, I noticed that what works for me is studying by myself or at least with someone -but I study on my own and only ask questions or clarifications when I don't understand something with a classmate and/or instructors. I found that in nursing, we all perceive the questions differently, so sometimes it's best to ask and gather around with others once you know the topic. And, don't be afraid to ask questions from your professors. They are of great help! You'll find that most of them are very helpful and dedicated. Also, professors in nursing are not all the same. Each of them have their own uniqueness. They have different teaching strategies. Just remember to keep up with the lessons and the skills.

I wish you all the best and goodluck!

[CorpsmanRN, BSN, RN]

I went to a community college (ADN program) and was really fortunate with the majority of my classmates. We were all for helping each other out. I'm sure some of the LPN bridge students felt a little left out though since they joined us halfway through.

It's only the first week so give it time. I personally like to feel people out and it often takes more than a week. I only "knew" one person because I met them during the interview process. After a couple weeks, many of us realized what a 'Debbie downer' they were. And one person whom many thought would be a great resource because they were an experienced EMT, ended up being a 'know it all' (who often gave incorrect, outdated info, esp. to the students with no healthcare exp.). Do you have each others' email addresses? Maybe send out an email to your classmates saying you'll be studying/reviewing content at So&So bookstore or coffee shop. Those who want to go will show up. Sometimes I found studying in big groups to be distracting (often veer off topic). I did more independent studying than I did group studying. Like another poster mentioned, I did the group study more to clarify things. Soon enough you will likely do so much in-class group activities or projects, that you'll get sick of it.

As far as the disorganization of instructors...ha! we had that every single quarter. In speaking with students at other programs, I found many dealt with a little disorganization. We learned to stand up for ourselves when needed (constant class schedule changes affecting daycare & job schedules), as well as just rolling with the uncertainty.

Hang in there! Life is full of cliques and there will always be people who don't befriend you for whatever reason. Don't let it get in the way of what you want.

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

With the disorganized nursing instructors, it happens, I remeber thinking this school is how old and they have been doing the nursing program for how long and they still don't have it together yet!!

With the instructors you just need to go with the flow and be flexiable

As for the cliques, I am sorry, I kind of felt the same way, I never found my new BFF in nursing school and I never once went to a study group and I made it through okay and many fellow students are facebook friends.

As someone else said once you are in clincals you will get to know people better

[swirlything]

I suspect that when you start clinicals, you will be working so closely with the others in your clinical group that you will make friends and maybe even study partners.

As far as study groups go, I personally found them more harm than good. Too much socializing, not enough studying. I did much better on my own, and when others asked to study with me, I always declined.... it was not in my best interest.