The Dreaded Group Projects

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Hello, everyone.

Looking for some advice..support..

I am currently finishing up my first semester of three in an RN to BSN program. I am going through the program at my local state university. It's all online. While yes, there is a ton of paper writing and such, the only issue I am having are these never-ending group projects. I know most bridge programs have them but mine is feeling excessive. Plus being all online, it's very hard to coordinate. My program requires a 3.5 gpa to get into and I expected more from others in my cohort... But seriously, this is like pulling teeth to get people to contribute or participate at all. I send out numerous emails, organize the project, etc because no one else will ever step up. How bad is it? For one group project I am currently in (and of course the leader for because no one else will do it even though I work FT and due with a baby any day now and everyone else is "too busy") each week 4/10 people participate. I literally have not heard from some people for over three weeks. I have gone to the instructors. They tell me "you've done everything you can as leader, it's up to them to participate now". Okay, but what about the final project? It won't be complete and that's my grade affected! Who then has to step up and do their whole part since they obviously aren't?

So what I'm asking here...Has anyone else here had to deal with this in their programs? Any advice on how to deal with this? I am having anxiety just thinking about dealing with this for two more semesters😩

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Do your part and theirs, get your good grade (and they will too) and then let life sort them afterward. Their time is coming.

I know it all feels so unfair, but your primary concern is your grade. Don't let their irresponsibility damage you. School is not the real world, and they will discover this in a hurry when they graduate. Or else lose their jobs.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Check out this thread:

https://allnurses.com/nursing-humor-share/how-i-feel-1001189.html

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Thread moved to General Student forum.

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@joseq - thank you for your reply. Your advice has been basically what I've been having to do. It truly does seem unfair, but I guess I at least can have some self pride unlike they can, knowing I'm not a slacker..😛

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Thanks for the link! I love the pie charts hahaha. So true !

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

UGH! Having experienced the same thing in multiple undergrad, grad, and post-grad courses, I can totally identify with your frustration. In some grad courses, the instructor included 'peer evaluation' as part of the grading criteria.... so we actually had to rate the contribution of our team members. That was the only thing that seemed to motivate the slackers.

Things changed a bit when I was in post-grad courses... by then, everyone was basically an "A" student with plenty of academic experience under their belts. Some people simply charged ahead with any group project, doing not only their stuff, but everyone else's as well. Srsly, by the time we had our first project meeting, these over-achievers would provide the group with three different versions of the completed project. It was bit deflating, and a real struggle to prevent them from steamrolling over the group.

Just wanted to provide some perspective & let you know that you have been heard. In the meantime, make sure you keep track of the slackers & avoid 'grouping' with them again whenever possible.

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UGH! Having experienced the same thing in multiple undergrad, grad, and post-grad courses, I can totally identify with your frustration. In some grad courses, the instructor included 'peer evaluation' as part of the grading criteria.... so we actually had to rate the contribution of our team members. That was the only thing that seemed to motivate the slackers.

Things changed a bit when I was in post-grad courses... by then, everyone was basically an "A" student with plenty of academic experience under their belts. Some people simply charged ahead with any group project, doing not only their stuff, but everyone else's as well. Srsly, by the time we had our first project meeting, these over-achievers would provide the group with three different versions of the completed project. It was bit deflating, and a real struggle to prevent them from steamrolling over the group.

Just wanted to provide some perspective & let you know that you have been heard. In the meantime, make sure you keep track of the slackers & avoid 'grouping' with them again whenever possible.

Thank you for the response and encouragement! I'm totally keeping track of the slackers... Seems to be most people in the program haha. I went through like the crazy person I am and looked at all discussion board posts this semester and reached out to those who have timely and decent posts. So hopefully next semester, we can team up!!

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In my program we are allowed to grade the members of our group. We turn the grades in the day we present then the instructor hands official grades out accordingly. After all, if I am the one doing all the work, then they sure as hell aren't gonna get my A!

Do what you have to do to get the project done and maybe give your instructor a heads up about your group members not participating in the completion of the project.

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Specializes in ICU.

It's been my experience that instructors usually know who is and is not participating. I have also had instructors who had us grade our other group members. I'm always very honest. I had a sociology class where I ended up doing the entire thing. This was a class where the people just didn't gel together well. It was partly the instructor's fault because she was late for class every week and was just generally a hot mess and never got the class to participate together. I was really mad after that group project. My other classes I have never really had a problem. Especially in the nursing program, people really have participated. I truly hate group projects as well, but I have realized that they will always be there and just suck it up and get it done. I would think since this is online you will have the opportunity to grade the people in your group. Make sure you tell the truth so you get the right grade.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Seem to fit here...

1260233076_groupwork.jpg.7ca4a0a919c0fac491be10ccbdf2948f.jpg

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Hahaha wow...That is so so spot on

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