This may sound silly but...

Maladroit, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2012

Work hard. Don't complain.

This.

Make sure you've read all the chapters BEFORE they are covered in class, show up on time, concentrate in class (no facebook checking, LOL). After exams, meet with your prof. to see what you got wrong even if you did really well. That will show your prof. that you take the class seriously...and it'll be private so you won't get the label from your classmates.

My thing was to throw out nerdy, topic-related jokes when appropriate - it made me stand out since I was able to understand the concept enough to turn it into something funny, shows confidence, and sets you apart.

chevyv, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2012

Try to figure out the answer to your question. Does this happen because of such and such? It shows that you're attempting to think critically and I believe most instructors are more willing to have the conversation instead of just giving you an answer. If you're asked a question in clinical and don't know the answer, let your instructor know that your not 100% and will look it up and get right back to them. They are usually very busy with other students.

Try to be prepared for lecture and please do not be one of those students who has a uncle, grandparent, friend of a friend, or whatever who had such and such disease or procedure that you feel the need to tell everyone about. You're there to learn not give idle chit chat that nobody wants to hear. The instructor will hate it if you call them on a wrong. They are always right and if not refer back to the first part of the sentence Good luck!!

grownuprosie · Jun 15, 2012

They are always right and if not refer back to the first part of the sentence.QUOTE]
Exactly! Love the way this was said!

chenrezigheart, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2012

I know that those involved in the student organizations do get to work more closely with the professors.

mercurysmom · Jun 15, 2012

Be respectfull of your classmates. Your instructor sees how you treat others. If you are snarky to your peers now, they will not be encouraging of you beciming their peer someday.

Absolutely! In fact, extend this respect to everyone, at all times, whether they are present or not. Commend in public, criticize in private. Be aware of gossip; avoid sharing, receiving, and becoming the subject of it.

The best allies to have during nursing school? Custodians and security guards. Learn their names, say hello and goodbye, give them a minute out of your busy day. You never know when you'll forget a book in a locked classroom the evening before a long weekend, or anticipate a dead car battery or flat tire. When I was a student, I drove a '79 Buick with a busted fuel gauge. One day, the inevitable happened; of course, it had to happen on a snowy Friday afternoon in February, a month after my AAA card expired. Jim, the security guard, gave me a couple gallons of gas and I was on my way in half an hour.

Congratulations, and good luck :nurse:

mm

whichone'spink, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2012

Don't be one of those students that goes to the instructor after a test and challenges every single question they get wrong. Accept the rationale and move on. Most of your instructors are knowledgable, and if they are not, toe their line until you get out of their class.

♑ Capricorn ♑ · Jun 16, 2012

I agree with many here. Be yourself. Participate in class. Don't just sit there and just listen. Volunteer to say and do things when its offered. You'll want the instructor(s) to remember you without coming off as a goodie-two-shoes or teacher's pet. Private meetings are a good way to get to know them, but don't make that the only option. I find most instructors want to get out of class as quickly as the students do.

Katie71275 · Jun 16, 2012

BTW just to clarify, I didn't mean answer every single question even if you know that you don't know the answer.

I meant, attempt to answer questions and don't be afraid that you will get it wrong...getting a wrong answer is OK, don't let the fear of being wrong, stop you from participating!