The Irony of Nursing

[DeepBreath]

I don't know if it is just me but I feel like nursing is really oppressive and unsupportive. I think this all starts in nursing school. Everyone becomes for them self and no one is willing to help you out, even people who you call friends. The faculty at the school could not care less about your success/ progress and do not support you. All they care about is NCLEX passing scores and how much tuition they are receiving.

Heck, at mine all my professors care about are their PHDs rather than actually teaching us. I don't see the point in showing up for class if the professor is just going to read straight from a powerpoint that is so undetailed/ full of basic information than to stay home and teach myself.

Please stop trying to find ways to insult us and take a step back to monitor for any condescending tones in your email response.

Please only go into nursing education if you have a passion for it and not the desire to receive tuition reimbursement. To those professors who do not want to give out As any more and give the entire clinical groups a B because GPA is not important. NEWS FLASH, nursing has never been so competitive. Most of us have our heart/ mind set on becoming a NP and our chances are being hindered.

Granted if we don't deserve the A, don't give it to us. But, if your clinical setting requires us to stay longer than any other groups and we complete care plans every week while all the other clinical groups only do a few and leave early from clinicals everyday then I think we deserve that A. We put in the effort, stop cutting us down.

Don't be so naive, nowadays applying to grad school means you are just GPA to just be considered, then comes in the other factors, references, exp, etc.

Nursing professors and nurses stop automatically favoring guys. It is just plain catty and petty and downright immature for a 50 year old always giving leadership roles to males in the clinical group. And this happens right off the bat, not after those male/ female students have developed rapport with the professor.

Nurses are more willing to give medications to the male student before the female student. I have seen this happen countless of times.

GROW UP.

It's downright sad.

Then you come on here, try to ask people how you would go about becoming a CRNA or an ICU nurse and you get responses like "Tell God your plans and watch him laugh".

Okay, we get it, things don't always work out the way you want to work out. THATS LIFE. We didn't come on this forum for a philosophical discussion. We came on here for support. Support.

Where is it?

You walk into a medical school class and all you can hear the professor saying is how they are all so brilliant.

BOTTOM LINE: we cannot demand respect/ support if there is a lack of demand/ support within our own network.

Please share your thoughts on this. Hopefully, I am wrong on this but I have spoken to a lot of other fellow nursing students and they feel the same way.

[SeattleJess]

That lack-of-support-feeling does not stop after nursing school. All hospitals, even the very supportive one I am at right now, you will at times see negativity from doctors, patients, and unfortunately other nurses. It is the nature of a high stressed job, sometimes people take things out on other people. Nursing school is not meant to be easy or lenient, and I hope for the sake of safety that it never will be. Most people you meet are going to be unhappy, negative, and discouraging no matter what... (emphasis added)

Amen, sister. That's been my experience so far on my very short path.

Each successful person I've seen so far in this profession has a strong internal locus-of-control. Success is sometimes just not melting down in the face of tough circumstances that do not change. I'm amazed and inspired by what experienced nurses handle well.

[tacomaster]

Amen. So many good points in this article. It drove me crazy how many instructors read from their slides they received from the publisher.I could have done that from home instead of going to class. Most of it was patho and not exactly what the nurse would do or would assess for. When I started my nursing orientation I felt that my school had really let me down and that I was below par compared to other new nurses. Thank God that my hospital gave us a terrific review on a plethora of Med Surg topics (some of which I had never heard before). My hospital explained things to me in a manner that made sense. I wish my nursing instructors would have taken the time to do that. Yes yes, I know it's my responsibility to learn the material...

Regarding your perspective on men getting some sort of advantage, I would have to politely have to disagree with you on that. In my program several of my instructors made it abundantly clear that men had no place in nursing. In one class I made all As on tests but somehow made a C in the class. I wasn't about to ask her about it because it was definitely "them" versus me. I spent most of school paranoid and it was complete hell. I was so excited to be done with that school. I had heard stories of false sexual harassment charges against guys from instructors, and other claims in order to "weed out" guys. Like you, nursing school has left a horrible impression on me.

[DeepBreath]

LOL you should have attended my school, all the males are favored here. always get called on to answer questions, always chosen as leaders.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

It's good to be self motivated re studying. You should be reading and studying beyond the classroom instruction. You will probably meet all different types of instructors so don't judge all by one or two. Passing boards is very important and you should be glad they are focusing on that because it does you no good to graduate if you don't pass boards. I know people who had a very hard time passing boards and you can't work as a nurse if you don't pass boards so you should be studying for that from day one!

When I went to school I used a board study book for my nursing classes, focusing on whatever the specialty we were reviewing such as cardiac etc. I always did well in school and passed boards on the first try! If your friends are unsupportive maybe you need new friends.

An instructor once said he would give an A to anyone who could get his diabetic controlled when he couldn't for NP/PA clinicals. Of course they weren't able to do this because the person was non compliant. I don't know what grade they actually got, but they gave it a shot and did their best. I would be intimidated by this but the students were ready for the challenge. An A is not guaranteed and a person needs to earn their A. While GPA is important it is not the only thing, actual experience, references and even the GMAT may be required to get into NP school. But truthfully NP schools are a dime a dozen and there are a lot of online options so it is not that hard to get into the program. Finding a job at the end might be another matter unless you are willing to relocate to a rural area.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I more than welcome constructive criticism.

Honestly, I don't want to hear any other comments but support because I will make it happen.

Hm I really like your last statement, I have started to really realize how autonomous nursing is. You can ask questions but its best to reserve them unless they are critical.

I can't speak to about everyone but I want to become an NP because I feel I have the skills/ communication/ dedication to really get to know each and every one of my patients conditions/ psychological status and treat them. I don't graduate from my BSN till May but plan to be a RN for at least 2 yrs minimum before I try to go back to get my MSN.

Thank you for your input.

How interesting. You say you can take constructive criticism. Then you say you don't want to see any comments other than support. Which is it?

When you put your stuff out there on an internet forum, you may get support from your peers. And if that's all you want, I'm sorry for you. There's a wealth of wisdom here on this forum, and you could learn a great deal from its members. If you're willing to, that is. If you're willing to hear more than just support.

Your last paragraph made me laugh . . . you haven't finished your BSN yet. You haven't even started your first job. You really don't have any skills yet. You don't know what your real skills as a nurse are going to turn out to be. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out for you.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

In my opinion, the best NP's are the ones who are practiced nurses first. Additionally, it makes it an applicable clinical for your NP when you have the basics of practicing as a nurse first.

Same with CRNA's. You have to be able to know how to be a nurse, before you can advance to a level of education that a CRNA requires.

Often, nursing students are so focused on the end goal, they will miss the importance of a good foundation. I have often said I was so crazed with the whole "nursing care plan" process that any patient that referenced why "God did this to them" got a "spiritual distress" care plan just to break it up a bit. And LPN's don't initiate care plans. So it was a moot point. However, it did make me understand the concept.

And that is the thing. You need to understand the concept of nursing in order to really be in a place as an advanced practice nurse to understand enough of what you are doing that the patients are confident in your practice. Which means refining your practice. Which means starting at square one, and advancing.

Lectures are really dry for anyone. However, if you take notes on what the professor is saying, it can help you to be able to pass the tests with the GPA's you need for success. And think about it--If you are paying top dollar for an education, you would want to come up with care plans in your sleep. Because you are getting the time in that you pay for. That the other class does one and is let off early is doing a dis-service to them.

Best of luck in your future endevours. But remember, take away every little bit you can squeeze out, (if nothing else but a great idea for a paper in your future) and know the basics like the back of your hand. It will only add to your success in your future.

[DeepBreath]

Honestly,

Constructive critism is fine. Yes I agree 100% that you need exp before you go to NP school and if you read what I wrote exactly what you qouted me on in bold. You will see that I agree with you already.

Btw, "it will be interesting to see how this shakes out for you". What exactly do you mean by that?

I believe in my abilities and know I have the potential and capacity to become an NP. Now if you don't thats something I really don't really care to hear.

I am completely aware of the huge learning curve of when you become a new grad. But if you knew me, you would know I don't take no for answer and I never give up. I plan everything out to a T and I am very flexible if plan A, doesnt work out, trust me I have A-Z. I am not saying I know everything, just plainly that I do not give up.

[DeepBreath]

This forum has really bought to my attention how terrible my school is.

[DeepBreath]

It's good to be self motivated re studying. You should be reading and studying beyond the classroom instruction. You will probably meet all different types of instructors so don't judge all by one or two. Passing boards is very important and you should be glad they are focusing on that because it does you no good to graduate if you don't pass boards. I know people who had a very hard time passing boards and you can't work as a nurse if you don't pass boards so you should be studying for that from day one!

When I went to school I used a board study book for my nursing classes, focusing on whatever the specialty we were reviewing such as cardiac etc. I always did well in school and passed boards on the first try! If your friends are unsupportive maybe you need new friends.

An instructor once said he would give an A to anyone who could get his diabetic controlled when he couldn't for NP/PA clinicals. Of course they weren't able to do this because the person was non compliant. I don't know what grade they actually got, but they gave it a shot and did their best. I would be intimidated by this but the students were ready for the challenge. An A is not guaranteed and a person needs to earn their A. While GPA is important it is not the only thing, actual experience, references and even the GMAT may be required to get into NP school. But truthfully NP schools are a dime a dozen and there are a lot of online options so it is not that hard to get into the program. Finding a job at the end might be another matter unless you are willing to relocate to a rural area.

A dime a dozen. I didn't want to go to just any NP school. I wanted/ want to go to the best. The ones I get the most positive feedback from. Because believe me once that time comes I will be very calculated with what NP school I go to. Unfortunately the best ones usually have a lot of applicants and you are filtered out through GPA.

I am willing to relocate.

[DeepBreath]

Also, I can't help but feel some of the people responding are insuitating there is a defect with my train of thought/ motivations. Which is fine, you guys do not know me personally. But please do not assume I am just a lazy student trying to find the easy route.

I am a person who got into nursing with the genuine desire to help me. I have no mentors. I know of no one who is a nurse. I am doing this completely on the whim.

I liked CRNA because I want to work in a place with high acuity and mental stimulation. I am currently a customer service cashier and can't stand the complete effortlessness of my job. Now, dont get me wrong I enjoy working with the public but a monkey could do my job. I am always even. LIKE ALWAYS and the fastest (the company calculates our items per a minute).

Please do not comment further unless you have read all my previous posts in this forum.

Would clear up a lot of repetitive initial responses from new commenters.

Thank you to all who have previously posted.

[DeepBreath]

I think in general other human beings are just nosy, insensitive jerks. It's not limited to nursing.

Loved that part about responses you get to saying you want to be a CRNA. I don't know about you, but I just love overbearing condescending witches (and the gentlemanly equivalent) who believe that what I want to do with my life is any of their business. Who cares if they think your dream isn't realistic? It's your dream, it's your business. It's always amazing to me just how far human beings can stick their noses into something that has absolutely nothing to do with them. Maybe they should do something to make their own lives better if the most interesting thing they can do in the course of their days is tear other people down. It sounds like they have soul-crushingly boring lives to me.

SOOOOO TRUE! exactly my point. Part of making something come true, is planning for it and anticipating it.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Also, I can't help but feel some of them people responding are insuitating there is a defect with my train of thought/ motivations.

Please do not comment further unless you have read all my previous posts in this forum.

Would clear up a lot of repetitive initial responses from new commenters.

Thank you to all who have previously posted.

The beauty of the Internet is when one posts , it has a life of it's own....you can't control that, but only your own locus of control.

And trust me, most people responding have had ran the path that you are on, and want you to be as objective as possible; as long as your remain objective to the many challenges that come your way, you will shape yourself to do well regardless. :)