Those nursing students that just don't seem to "get it"

[SolaireSolstice, BSN, RN]

What do you do if you see someone in your class that seems to be struggling? Do you offer to help? Or is that worse, because it makes you look patronizing and superior?

Yesterday, after I had finished observing in the OR, my instructor assigned me to help out another student that didn't yet have his assessment completed (4 hours after clinical had started and about an hour before post conference). He had told the instructor the patient didn't want to be bothered. I understand that, and it is the patient's right to refuse anything, and said as much to the other student before we went in. But I was able to get the assessment completed without any trouble or complaint from the patient. We finished, and I went back to the instructor to report completion. She asked me to spend the next clinical day with this student to help him out prioritizing and with time management. I felt really uncomfortable with that, and basically asked if I could do my ER rotation instead (not telling her I was uncomfortable, but just saying I didn't want to miss out on my ER opportunity). Later in post conference, this same student didn't know our case study was due this week, or what the case study consisted of. As if it had never been brought up or wasn't even on our schedule (it had and it is). I happened to be sitting next to him and showed him the case study grading sheet (which was in our class packet), and what I had completed on mine.

Part of me wants to help him, but I didn't want to do what the instructor SHOULD be doing. And I don't want to be the class know it all. At the same time, it seems this instructor and student just do not see eye to eye on things. I don't know if they started on the wrong foot, or it's a personality issue, and it doesn't matter. But I see threads on here about awful instructors, and I can see where someone like this student could feel he is being treated unfairly, when in all actuality it is just that this student just ISN'T GETTING IT. He's kind if mouthy too, sort of macho big talker, but without much to back it right now. The instructor mentioned that we should write on the back of our care plans any other skills we performed on patients not our own, or any help we gave to the nurses or to other students. He asked "Why?" She responded "So you get credit for it." He says " I don't need credit, it's enough that I know I helped out." She responded again "Well that's good, but so you get class credit, meaning graded for it, is what I mean."

Should I take the instructor up on her request? Should I stay the heck out of it? I do think I could help him, if he wants the help. I don't know if he does. I've just met him this rotation and so I've known him maybe 3 weeks.

[trepinCT]

you are a part of a TEAM..help out..maybe talk with the student to see if there are any issues outside of school. Be a friend. Do your best to help but make it clear that you wont miss out on any opportunities ..the school should have a Lab for helping students out..its one thing to team up students for helping each other out..but the rest is the schools responsibility

[sunray12]

I wouldn't. He isn't your twin or spouse and should carry his own weight like everyone else in the class. Also as you stated this is the instructor's job if she feels that she should help him through. In the long run if she chose to pull him through she wouldn't be helping him really because she can't pass the nclex for him or hold his hand through his first year on the job as a nurse. Still that would be her choice if she wants to help. I don't think she should force it on a student.

[vashtee, RN]

I wouldn't appreciate missing out on my own learning opportunities to help out someone who sounds very unlikely to make it through nursing school. I mean, your classmate had my sympathy until you mentioned he didn't even know about the case study. Not everyone is meant to be a nurse.

Flame away. :)

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think you should take a "middle ground" approach. Offer a little help, but be careful not to sacrifice your own learning needs and don't get sucked into this other student's problems. Helping out is a nice thing to do, but you are under no obligation to sacrifice your education or sanity.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

Just the type of person I am, I would try to help him out if it wasn't going to effect my ability in school. Sometimes things are going on that a person might not saying and all they need is to be pulled aside and shown that people do care and try to help. Now I understand it is not anyone job to babysit and I am not saying anyone should HAVE to do this. It's just how I am. I am a person that always tries to help if I can.

You said, he said the Pt. didn't want him assessing but they allowed you without problem, do you think it was because he was a male student?? It seems odd they would refuse him and not you so it's the first thing that came to mind and the Pt. might have felt uncomfortable saying as much.

In the end, you have to do what is best for you, but if the instructor is asking you to do this, I don't think I would go against it either if it wasn't going to directly effect your efforts. Just from what I have seen, you don't want to **** off your nursing instructors. they are the ones that give the hospital recommendations and if the instructor feels like you aren't a team player, they might not be willing. even if you do great on all your own stuff.

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

This student needs to know what the assignments are, and what is expected of him, and how to get his assignments done. He needs to be able to listen, and respond as needed, without a mouthy comback. He needs to behave in an approachable, professionals manner- not be macho and mouthy.

He needs to be able to figure these things out and do them on his own. If he can't he will probably fail, and from reading about him on this thread, that will probably be a good thing.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Cant help someone who doesnt want to help themselves

[tfleuter, BSN, RN]

I would be willing to help, but only to the point where my schooling isn't affected. I guess I just like helping others out who are grateful to recieve it that is. But if this student started mouthing off to me or taking advantage of my good will, then I would stop.

Your instructor would undoubtly think more highly of you as well if you were willing to help this student out. Shows your ability to be a team player and that you know your stuff. Might payback in dividends when it comes time for your first job and she gives you an excellent recommendation.

[RadfordSN]

If you're able to help without it getting in the way of your own learning needs and experiences I would do it.

I love helping others because sometimes a different view point is all they need to make it click in their minds, and it also helps me to practice and challenge what I know. Usually I will only help when asked, or if I can see a fellow classmate really struggling, and it's generally received well.

You're not a bad person if you choose not to help this student. It's not your responsibility to make sure he gets to where he needs to be. This is your choice. If you feel too uncomfortable let your professor know.

[Atheos]

Nursing is a team sport.

You also might just find that one of the best ways to learn is to teach. So, not only may you help out this other student you may help yourself more than you could know.

[SolaireSolstice, BSN, RN]

You said, he said the Pt. didn't want him assessing but they allowed you without problem, do you think it was because he was a male student

The patient was male. I mean, sure it's possible the patient just likes women better. He certainly didn't give me any trouble at all. I had the idea it was more that the student was being less assertive than the instructor felt he should be in order to get the assessment done. When I walked in there, I simply said "Hi Mr. -, I need to get this assessment done. " And got started. The student was sort of floored.

I want to thank everyone for their points of view on this. Clinical is done for this week, so I am going to spend the next couple of days mulling it over.