Ok ever since I was accepted into the nursing program I have had some negativity thrown my way by people that I would least expect it. I am not talking about family or friends, although there are a few of my life long friends who do not seem that enthused that I am going to be a nurse let alone going to college. Anyway, I have been getting everything ready for my orientation on the 20th. I called my doctors office to make an appointment for my physical, the girl on the phone ask if this is an annual physical and I tell her its for school. She then ask me what I am going to school for and I tell her nursing. All of a sudden the tone of her voice changes, she becomes very short and rude with me. NO more nicey nicey gal. I shrug it off and make my appointment.
I go to my appointment all goes well except I was diagnosed with hypertension. Doc puts me on meds, congratulates me for getting into nursing school and wishes me luck. I find out that its too late to do my blood work so I will have to come back a different day and that they no longer do vaccinations there. Ok no biggie so I go somewhere else for the vaccinations.
I go in to get my blood drawn and the medical assistant is well not the friendliest person I have ever met but me being the way I am, I am overly nice to her. She puts the needle in and damn I didnt even feel it, so I compliment her on how good she was at drawing blood. She says, "Yea I know, its really a talent not a skill that you can learn. You are either talented or not, so for your patients sake I hope that you are talented otherwise you will be hurting a lot of patients." I was thrown back a bit by her statement but graciously agreed. Believe me I am not push over but I was just not in the mood to get into a B!t#h match with her. So I leave and go on my way.
I had to go back one more time to get my blood results and she was just as rude and condescending as before but whatever I just figured she was a bad apple. Fast Forward to my next appt. at a different doc to get my vaccinations. I go in and the MA calls me back. We go back to the room and she begins asking me what I am here for. I tell her to get my vaccinations and I hand her the physical form from my school. She says Oh your going to school to be a nurse, well good luck, my daughter did it and she said it was the toughest thing she ever did but didnt finish because she couldnt handle it. She then ask if I have any kids and I tell her yes three girls. Waiting for some miner chitchat about kids, she blows out of her mouth, oh with three kids you might as well give up on nursing school. My daughter didnt have any kids and she couldnt do it. Blah Blah Blah
She made a few other cracks at nursing like, "I was going to do it but I am content with being an MA, besides Nurses work way too hard for their money, it just isnt worth it to me" My reply was, "well there is a place for everybody in this world and if being an MA is where you are meant to be then that is ok, and if nursing isnt for me, I guess I will find out soon wont I?"
I am just so sick of people that dont even know me try to discourage me from succeeding. I mean what are the chances of running into all insecure people when trying to get everything in order for school. I have to laugh though because if they only knew what I have been through and what I am going through I guess they would think twice about making the cracks they are. Then again, these few people are just completely insecure with themselves, if they really wanted to go to school for nursing they would do whatever it takes to get there.
Sorry this is so long but I just had to get it off my chest. Anyone else encountering this since you have been accepted? The crazy thing is if it werent for the physical form for school or them asking me what I am going to school for I wouldnt tell them. Its not like I go around flaunting it or anything. Geeesh.....
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Nurse2be2007: I have noticed that all of these negative people in your vent just happen to be medical assistants. This is not a coincidence.
Many MAs are jealous of nursing students and nurses for several reasons. First of all, the average MA earns $8 to $12 hourly, which is not very much money to live on. Secondly, many MAs attended school for just as long as most RNs (2 years) at the community college. The only difference is that the RNs earned their AS degree in nursing, whereas the MAs earned their AS degree in medical assisting. Obviously, the nursing degree is worth much more in monetary value than the medical assistant degree. I do realize that half of all MAs choose the 10 month diploma route at local vocational schools.
When I went to the public health clinic to receive my hepatitis B vaccinations, the woman who administered them was supportive of my future plans because she was an RN. An MA might have quickly become jealous. I am not knocking MAs because I also have a medical assistant diploma. However, MAs need to realize that the nursing scope of practice is very different from the MA scope of practice.
Personally, I wouldn't allow these negative people to rent too much space in my head. I would hold my head up with pride and realize that I'm going to reach far places during my lifetime. Good luck to you. :)
I once had a unit-clerk who thought she knew more then the nurses, was always trying to tell us how to do our jobs, ( & me with 15 years nursing experience & a BSN). Turns out she did not even have a GED. She finally completed it & went to the local community college to apply to nursing school. HA HA she came back complaining that she did not see why nurses need to take: algebra, chemistry etc etc. You get the picture. They had given her a sample of the NET test & she gave up with just one look at the NET!!! Moral of the story: She was afraid to fail (IMO), You on the other hand are not & sounds like you know that it will require hard work, perseverance, discipline but it is worth it. Also, those MA's, many of them think they can do an RN's job because they know how to give injections but the fact is that there is a major difference between the skills they can perform & what a nurse can do.
Good luck
There is a nice MA at my docs office who mentioned that she tried to get into nursing school and was denied and that she never went back to reapply. I encouraged her to go try again, even if it means retaking some of her classes. She said she might look into it but wouldnt know where to start. Yesterday, I took her my school's catalog along with their nursing brochure which has all the prereq's, core courses and everything she needs to know to get started. She was so grateful, that it darn near brought tears to her eyes, and DID bring tears to my eyes. She asked me if I would call her and help her figure out what classes she should take or retake. Of course I would and did. We talked for over an hour and she is going up to the college Thursday to apply for admissions then register for classes.
Nurse2be2007: I have noticed that all of these negative people in your vent just happen to be medical assistants. This is not a coincidence.
Many MAs are jealous of nursing students and nurses for several reasons. First of all, the average MA earns $8 to $12 hourly, which is not very much money to live on. Secondly, many MAs attended school for just as long as most RNs (2 years) at the community college. The only difference is that the RNs earned their AS degree in nursing, whereas the MAs earned their AS degree in medical assisting. Obviously, the nursing degree is worth much more in monetary value than the medical assistant degree. I do realize that half of all MAs choose the 10 month diploma route at local vocational schools.
When I went to the public health clinic to receive my hepatitis B vaccinations, the woman who administered them was supportive of my future plans because she was an RN. An MA might have quickly become jealous. I am not knocking MAs because I also have a medical assistant diploma. However, MAs need to realize that the nursing scope of practice is very different from the MA scope of practice.
Personally, I wouldn't allow these negative people to rent too much space in my head. I would hold my head up with pride and realize that I'm going to reach far places during my lifetime. Good luck to you. :)
Yeppers, caught that one from the first page. I have no problems with MA's just rude people two of which just happened to be MA's. I was not knocking MA's as some may have taken my vent but to be honest I cant change how they perceive my post. Thank you Commuter for your understanding and eagle eyes.
BTW, when I went back to that clinic for my TB test results, the receptionist told me that the nurse will be right with me. When the "nurse" called my name she said Hi my name is "Jane" the nurse, what can I do for you? I told her what I was there for and she looked at my TB site, negative and filled out the form and said "Oh your going to school for nursing? I am applying next semester for their nursing program." I said, "Oh your not a nurse?" She says no and I inform her that she should be cautious calling herself a nurse because some could perceive that as impersonating a licensed profession which is illegal. Her mouth dropped to the floor and began appologizing (l think she thought I was going to turn her in or something) and I told her to stop appologizing to me, I just didnt want her to get in trouble and possibly be banned from getting her license if someone DID report her. She was completely unaware that it was wrong and said she was going to be more careful. I really liked her and didnt want to see anything bad happen to her.
FYI, I will restate what I posted before for those that might have missed it. I believe that there is a place in the medical professions for everyone. If being a CNA is where you want to be, good for you; if being an MA is where you want to be, good for you; if being an RN is where you want to be, good for you, etc. I would never knock any profession in healthcare, as I see all positions to be an important part of the whole. However, if you are rude, inconsiderate and condescending in your current career then maybe you should find another career, possibly where you dont have to work with people! Enough said!
Thank you to all who understood my OP and could relate. I appreciate this board and everyone on it, well mostly everyone
I'm sorry to hear about the negativity that you have ran into with the haters,lol. Its funny that you brin up the comments about the Medical Assistant not being the nicest person. I say that because also I ran into a medical assistant at a local doctors office who was the same way. And I just looked at her like I can't wait to be a RN so I can greet people in a well comforting way. When I look at people in the medical field that are not nicely I just say I can't wait to make a great impact on people. Some people are in the medical field just for a job not to make a difference. Unlike you and I and others we are rare with compassion which makes this career for us. I'm also a RN student and I hope to have people on my staff like you once I have to put my skills at work. Also, your not alone I have been giving negativity about the Nursing field as well because I'm a African American 21yr old male going into this field. Nevertheless, like I said we are rare individuals because of our compassion for people which this career is designed for us! I wish you the best of luck in your journey and keep going forward! =)
WOW! Either I didnt explain it well enough or you took my post way out of context! The way these people were acting is NOT in anyway the same as people trying to "relate to my journey". They are rude, condescending and resentful. They are NOT just telling me a story about themselves or someone else they know that has been there done that. Yes the lady whose daughter went to nursing school but didnt finish could have been what you are refering too HOWEVER, her other comments tell a different story!
Me insecure LOL Yea maybe when I was in my younger days but not now. In fact its quite the opposite and most people mistake my confidense as arrogance so hey if you want to call me insecure I will accept that its better than being called arrogant LOL.
I think you took offense to my post and for that I am sorry. However, you are completely off base with your assumptions about my post, you totally took it wrong and well there is nothing I can do about that.
I posted this not to start crap but to get a little feedback from my fellow students about whether they have experienced this or not.
I wasnt upset or letting it get to me, my skin is way to thick for that, rather I couldnt help but find it ironic how these healthcare workers would bash another field.
I was trying to look at it from a more positive perspective and give these fools you met up with the benefit of the doubt.
People can be small.
I thought you were searching for why these people would have reacted to you and asked you questions the way they did.
If you want support OK: Ignore it and march on.
There is alot in life you need to ignore and march on.
Now as far as how thick your hide is....:chuckle
You have just admitted your confidence may come across as arrogance.
When people see confidence and get the feeling that one doesn't NEED or WANT their input or advice people tend to react several ways.
A) They will get nasty and sarcastic
B) They will try to drag you down with them
C) They will be happy for you...if they are just as confident.
The blue crab, if bunches are caught and placed in a basket, will YANK any other blue crab back into the basket if that ONE is about to bring itself UP and out of harms way.
People can be that way.
IGNORE them OR you could say something like: "Are you unhappy with your life, because it truly comes across that way"?.
I was trying to look at it from a more positive perspective and give these fools you met up with the benefit of the doubt.
People can be small.
I thought you were searching for why these people would have reacted to you and asked you questions the way they did.
If you want support OK: Ignore it and march on.
There is alot in life you need to ignore and march on.
No problem
Now as far as how thick your hide is....:chuckle
Aww now come on thats not even fair. But hey your entitled to your opinon, as am I.
You have just admitted your confidence may come across as arrogance.
When people see confidence and get the feeling that one doesn't NEED or WANT their input or advice people tend to react several ways.
A) They will get nasty and sarcastic
B) They will try to drag you down with them
C) They will be happy for you...if they are just as confident.
The blue crab, if bunches are caught and placed in a basket, will YANK any other blue crab back into the basket if that ONE is about to bring itself UP and out of harms way.
People can be that way.
You nailed that one on the head. AB and C describes several acquaintances I know. Some are much older and never seem to grow up. I steer clear of most negativity however, sometimes I stick around for the pure amusement of it all. Gets boring after awhile though, ya know. Back and forth bickering, who is wittier than the other...yawn... gets old.
Like the old saying goes, the nice guys finish last. Have to have a backbone and stand behind your convictions or whats the point.
IGNORE them OR you could say something like: "Are you unhappy with your life, because it truly comes across that way"?.
Either way don't let ANYONE rain on your parade.
That includes ME.
Your so funny! Well its been fun but I have other engagements to attend to, like my whiney 10 year old complaining she is bored. Hahahaha Boy she isnt going to like my suggestion of "Go clean your room" ooooh I used to hate when my mom would say that to me. Anywho, love your wits Jerico, we could have a lot of fun. Till next time.....
I feel your pain. I'm a really nice person and I don't go off on people, but sometimes that's what I NEED to do. I jus can't get an attitude! I wish I could. Good luck to you!!
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
Nurse2be2007: I have noticed that all of these negative people in your vent just happen to be medical assistants. This is not a coincidence.
Many MAs are jealous of nursing students and nurses for several reasons. First of all, the average MA earns $8 to $12 hourly, which is not very much money to live on. Secondly, many MAs attended school for just as long as most RNs (2 years) at the community college. The only difference is that the RNs earned their AS degree in nursing, whereas the MAs earned their AS degree in medical assisting. Obviously, the nursing degree is worth much more in monetary value than the medical assistant degree. I do realize that half of all MAs choose the 10 month diploma route at local vocational schools.
When I went to the public health clinic to receive my hepatitis B vaccinations, the woman who administered them was supportive of my future plans because she was an RN. An MA might have quickly become jealous. I am not knocking MAs because I also have a medical assistant diploma. However, MAs need to realize that the nursing scope of practice is very different from the MA scope of practice.
Personally, I wouldn't allow these negative people to rent too much space in my head. I would hold my head up with pride and realize that I'm going to reach far places during my lifetime. Good luck to you. :)