Trouble In Paradise

LaSPN · Jul 18, 2007

I love Nursing school, it's challenging. I'm 39, and have a lot of "life" experiences, but the people in my class are negative, whiny, and complain about our Instructors, Clinincal experiences, and "nursing assistant" work. What happened to doing it because you wanted to help people? Now, people go into Nursing for the money, and sounds like some are let down, when they don't make a certain dollar amount. How do I stay positive, and focused. I'm a cheerful person, and people DONT like it! What kind of Nurse's are we putting out? :uhoh3:

*Blessed2BaNRS* · Jul 18, 2007

My thoughts exactly! I haven't started NS yet, but I have heard about all the complaining and whining. Even in regular classes, there is always someone who, if they don't get their way, will whine and gripe. Bad thing is, it is usually something that was their fault in the first place, or over something so trivial. I don't get this:o

LMRN10 · Jul 18, 2007

I will say, I am 31 and in my Microbiology class this past semester, there was this woman, who was probably 20 years older who never EVER stopped complaining!!! What is the deal? The instructor is not out to get you...stop complaining because you are doing it right in my ear and it is really affecting me and my ability to focus on the class!!!!

Well, I think the fact that you are there because this is what you want to do should be enough. Just because there are some who complain constantly and get upset about the money thing, I wouldn't let that affect your decision to get into the field. In my opinion, that will only make you a more valuable nurse...I think employers can tell if you are passionate about your job and if you are, I believe that will make all the difference in the world!!! Hang in there!!!

shanyone · Jul 18, 2007

I think the only thing you can do it just ignore the negative folks (or the negative conversations). Stick your nose in your book and study when things come up that you don't feel the same way about. You certainly don't have to be friends with anyone you don't want to be friends with and even if you are friends with someone, you don't have to agree with them or stoop to a lower level and ***** and whine all the time.

Really, it sounds like you need new friends (everyone in the class can't be a negative Nelly?).

Otherwise, just keep your nose in your books and keep your focus on the patients during clinical. That's all you can do, I think.

Oh, and keep smiling...Lord knows I'm trying to continue :) I feel your pain. I actually don't get talked to much by some of my classmates because they were bitching about a mid-term a few weeks ago and when they specifically asked what I thought, I said that I didn't think it was that bad. I could see that they didn't like my reaction, but I don't really care. I figure you really shouldn't ask for someone's opinion if you don't want it :) Sometimes you just can't win.

I have two friends in class and we keep each other's spirits up. Don't get me wrong, we were just complaining the other day because we didn't have all the materials to study for a final coming up, so we aren't always cheery...but we do try to be generally positive. I've found that it just helps you get through easier if you smile rather than frown.

Shanyone

Irene joy · Jul 18, 2007

That really is sad! I know that once I start school, evan when it's stressful and overwhelming I will be pinching myself and counting my blessings that God has given me the opportunity to enter a proffession such as nursing. I think that for the most part people are either optimistic or pessimistic, no matter what there environment is. I am optimistic and am married to a pessimist. It get's really old listening to complaint after complaint!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2007

people who go into the profession of nursing solely for the money won't make it. they will eventually peter out and leave because they can't hack the stress of it. you'll hear them saying things like, "it's not worth the money". you have to go into nursing knowing that within you it is something you have to do because you want to help people in a selfless way. nursing requires us to give of ourselves to others and there is no amount of cash that will reimburse us for that. our rewards come in other ways that only we will recognize.

you have to have faith in yourself that you are studying nursing for the right reason. if you let these negative, whiny, complainers get to you, then what does that say about your own strength of character? think about all the people throughout history who went against those who ridiculed them, yet they continued to stand by their ideas--and were eventually proven to be right. isn't that the person you want to be? here's your test.

you stay positive by reading about positive people. you surround yourself with positive people and positive energy. you don't allow yourself to be swayed by the negative people. you act polite and cordial around them, but you don't spend a lot of time with these negative people. while you are in school you have a marvelous opportunity to be exposed to all kinds of new ideas, so be open to learning these. you will find that these negative, whiney, complaining people are not doing that at all, but the very minimum that they need to keep their heads above water. that will not serve them well at all in the long run. one thing i learned very early was not to allow myself to be closed to only what was said within the classroom. i took every opportunity available to attend outside student workshops offered by my state student nursing association, to speak with my instructors to get their views on things and to palaver with staff nurses who were willing to talk with a student. i read other nursing textbooks besides the ones we were required to read. sometimes you are going to be alone in doing this. that is where your strength of character must serve you. there's more to this profession than what is going on in your classroom or your corner of the world, believe me. but you have to be the one to open to door to find it. and, if people want to laugh at you for it, so what? you are the one who has to answer to your conscience, not them.

beth66335, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2007

I know its hard to stay up when those around you seem determined to be unhappy, unfortunately it is like that in the workplace too. I used to work with a girl that wanted to do a different job in our hospital. Every job description she came across on our in-house job BB she would ask me "How much do you think this job Pays?" or " How much doe a lab tech make?". All I could say was " I don't know, is that a job you would enjoy doing?" Shanyone is right too, surround your self with the positive students. They told us in our first orientation at my school to do this and as The Donald would say " You're Fired!" to the rest!! :nono:

I love Nursing school, it's challenging. I'm 39, and have a lot of "life" experiences, but the people in my class are negative, whiny, and complain about our Instructors, Clinincal experiences, and "nursing assistant" work. What happened to doing it because you wanted to help people? Now, people go into Nursing for the money, and sounds like some are let down, when they don't make a certain dollar amount. How do I stay positive, and focused. I'm a cheerful person, and people DONT like it! What kind of Nurse's are we putting out?

caliotter3 · Jul 18, 2007

If you think the whining and complaining and other negative behaviors are bad in nursing school, just wait until you get to the workplace. You have to remind yourself why it is that you are doing this and let other people be. They will suck your spirit dry, but only if you let them. Try to seek out students that are more like you in attitude and closer to your age. Remember the saying "Live and let live". It can remind you that they are responsible for themselves and you are responsible for you. Then you won't be so inclined to waste positive energy on them.

LaSPN · Jul 18, 2007

I thank everyone for their wonderful support, and opinions. I am suprised to have received so many replies! People DO care!! (Thank You Jesus) Bless all of you for lifting my spirit. I go back this afternoon, and I actually do have 3 people, who are just as sick and tired of it all, as I am. The whiners and cursers,get angry with us (bookworms) because we get along with the Instructors. HELLO! They are NURSE'S! (Geesh.....what a bunch of idiots.) They actually think they know more. Sad. But I feel much better!!! :lol2: :yeah:

LaSPN · Jul 18, 2007

Congratulations, on starting Nursing School. I was just as excited, and still am. Some days are harder than others, but, hey, I put on my big-girl-panties, and get over it! :pumpiron:

natthomas · Jul 18, 2007

Congratulations, on starting Nursing School. I was just as excited, and still am. Some days are harder than others, but, hey, I put on my big-girl-panties, and get over it! :pumpiron:

LOL Hey I start NS this fall and I hope that whatever happens that no matter what I finish. If I having any problems, want to vent, or even celebrate I will always come to allnurses to the share the news. I love this site, just fill with a variety of personalities. Good Luck and God Bless all that will or has already start the program.