These classes are nonsense

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Finished my first semester of patho, pharm, and health assessment, you know real classes that are significant to my future job. So this semester I am taking some nonsense advanced nursing theory and a bull$%^ nurse educator class. Please tell me why I have to waste my time and money on this crap? I made A's all last semester and I honestly could care less if I make 2 Cs in these crap shoot classes. I truly don't see a future employer frowning upon it. I am sure some MD that interviews me for his practice could give a flying hoot about what I made in nursing theory. Anyone else feel the same way?

Specializes in FNP.

I agree elkpark. I think the people at the institution and how well one connects with them is hypercritical.

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I think by 'fluff' they are referring to 'theory'. Not that the class is easy. Just that they find certain theory irrelevant to practice. And in many cases, I see their point. APA is of course, par for the course. However, APA structure is irrelevant when your subject is nursing theory that you do not happen to subscribe to.

I think in less academic terms, they are asking... "Do you subscribe to this theory crap or not? And if not, how do you feel about its place in graduate level nursing coursework as a requirement?"

Or maybe I'm just reading into the comments?

You are right, this is what I was trying to elate to. I believe this theory is irrelevant to practice, in my eyes. I do not need to subscribe to some theory some person with a PhD wrote. Sorry, its nonsense. I want to learn actual science and clinical skills that will make me a better practitioner, not ridiculous theories and stipulations that I have to focus on that bring me away from what I really need to know. I just absolutely love how some of the faculty justify their jobs teaching this crap telling us its important.

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You are right, this is what I was trying to elate to. I believe this theory is irrelevant to practice, in my eyes. I do not need to subscribe to some theory some person with a PhD wrote. Sorry, its nonsense. I want to learn actual science and clinical skills that will make me a better practitioner, not ridiculous theories and stipulations that I have to focus on that bring me away from what I really need to know. I just absolutely love how some of the faculty justify their jobs teaching this crap telling us its important.

So what theoretical framework will you be using?

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

I've never seen a nurse practitioner program that do not include a course on nursing theoretical foundations as well as advanced practice nursing legalities and economics. I especially enjoyed the courses on APN issues because it did relate to my future NP practice. In fact, I would have actually preferred having taking that course much later in the program as I prepared for actual practice rather than early in the program when I had very little idea or concern about legislative issues. I can understand how some people hate nursing theories and other so-called fluff courses but before one signed up for any NP program, didn't you guys already realize that these courses were part of the curriculum and you could have changed your mind and went on to the PA route instead?

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Specializes in FNP.

Juan,

My school requires that students travel to the capitol and testify before the legislative session regarding a nursing/health issue!

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Specializes in Family Practice, Primary Care.
Juan,

My school requires that students travel to the capitol and testify before the legislative session regarding a nursing/health issue!

Mine too! Haha.

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So what theoretical framework will you be using?

Not sure, probably just going to pick one at random and write my paper on it. It will be the same "fluff" regardless.

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Not sure, probably just going to pick one at random and write my paper on it. It will be the same "fluff" regardless.

I think PA would be a much better fit for you, I know it would be for me.

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Not sure, probably just going to pick one at random and write my paper on it. It will be the same "fluff" regardless.

No, I meant which framework will you be using when you're in actual practice.

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No, I meant which framework will you be using when you're in actual practice.

None. I am going to evaluate and assess my patient. Treat them accordingly and provide the appropriate education.

I do not need a framework some nurse with a PhD designed to be able to do my job and interact with patients.

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None. I am going to evaluate and assess my patient. Treat them accordingly and provide the appropriate education.

I do not need a framework some nurse with a PhD designed to be able to do my job and interact with patients.

Hmm, so you want to be a trade school graduate? All professions are theory-driven. You said you wanted to learn actual science and clinical skills. Go back a few years in medicine and you'll learn about the humoral theory of disease which originated with Hippocrates about 400 B.C. I think they are using different theories now!

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Nightingale is my go-to for all of the "pick a theorist" papers I have to do. Mainly because I can espouse her theories and say I'll apply them to my practice without feeling like a liar (i.e when the answer "I won't be using ANY nursing theory in my advanced practice" isn't acceptable). Rational patient evaluation, hygiene, and proven practices are things I can get behind. Plus, no obsession with convoluted "diagrams" to illustrate the theory being described.

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