Uncooperative Lab Partner

tookewlandy · Aug 29, 2006

you are just going to have to let her know the deal straight up, in the nicest yet most serious way possible.

Thoc_123 · Aug 29, 2006

My opinion only of course, but nursing school requires alot of energy. POSITIVE ENERGY. if someone is sucking that energy out of you, then get out of the situation. Either by asking him/her what their problem is ( in a nice way of course) or trying to make friends with others in your lab class and slowly gravitating towards them. I wouldnt say suck it up at all because I think she'll bring you down. I am not the most eloquent speaker, so I wont give you advice on what to say, because I'd just tell her to get lost:uhoh21: . Talk to your instructor in private and see what advice they have for you. Good luck!

Trauma Columnist · Aug 29, 2006

I agree being proactive - this after all impacts your grade as well as hers. I would try to get her to buy-in to doing well: "Well, I agree to an extent but we just need to get on with it and do a good job."

If this doesn't work: "Look this isn't going to be a marriage made in heaven. Let's do what needs to be done and leave our opinions out of it."

Finally: "I can see that we are not resolving this between us. Let's involve the instructor." And then do so.

Good luck.

Jules A, MSN · Aug 29, 2006

I would tread lightly on this one. In our class we had many group projects and there were certain people that never lifted a finger. It was well known to the faculty and their take on it was that we needed to work it out as a group, delegate, problem solve etc. Basically in each group two or three people carried the whole boat time and again. The faculty acted as if this was good training for when we get in the real world and the students that requested a switch were treated like the problem.

The good news might be is that if your partner is as good as she is cocky you might have a strong partner who can pull their weight and help you learn also. Good luck, Jules

shining_star28463 · Aug 30, 2006

I would tread lightly on this one. In our class we had many group projects and there were certain people that never lifted a finger. It was well known to the faculty and their take on it was that we needed to work it out as a group, delegate, problem solve etc. Basically in each group two or three people carried the whole boat time and again. The faculty acted as if this was good training for when we get in the real world and the students that requested a switch were treated like the problem.
The good news might be is that if your partner is as good as she is cocky you might have a strong partner who can pull their weight and help you learn also. Good luck, Jules

I hope that will be true but I have a feeling that the situation is only going to become worst. This person seems to alienate everyone and most of our classmates avoid her. I did manage to convince her to stay after class to practice this afternoon (10 whole minutes) and when she ran through her assessment she barely knew the steps and had hardly any of the questions memorized. Then when I practiced mine, she kept making discouraging comments and tried feel to make me feel stupid. I feel like a child for complaining but I just don't want her bad attitude to prevent me from prospering.

Trauma Columnist · Aug 30, 2006

I think you have to realize too that you are paying the school for a service: to provide your education. If that isn't happening due to a poorly prepared lab partner - take it up with the instructor

Jules A, MSN · Aug 30, 2006

I think you have to realize too that you are paying the school for a service: to provide your education. If that isn't happening due to a poorly prepared lab partner - take it up with the instructor

I agree with you 100% but just wanted to share my experience which sadly was opposite of what should have been. It sure shouldn't hurt to ask. Keep us posted and much luck.

Trauma Columnist · Aug 30, 2006

Oh I agree Jules - truly I do. I'm a crochety old lady now though and when I went back to school - I truly decided that I was the consumer of this service and I needed to have a good experience in order to learn.

lots_of_luv · Aug 30, 2006

you don't deserve to be working with this loser at all. you'll only be wasting your precious time. talk to your instructor. the first time you feel something is not right, speak it out. i do it all the time and i like it that way.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Aug 30, 2006

Please communicate your concerns ASAP with your instructor and tactfully ask for another lab partner.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2006

shining_star28463. . .i would absolutely tell your instructor what this student is doing. try to do it as factually as possible. i would also tell the instructor what your plan of action is. your plan, unfortunately, is that you are most likely going to have to do most of the work yourself in order to get the grade you want, but it doesn't mean that you have to like it. you can demand another partner for the next phase of your class assignment or just volunteer to work alone. in the working world, i can guarantee that you are going to be paired with many professional nurses who you are not going to like or who are not going to work up to the same level that you see yourself working. what do you do? you do for your patients first--always. in this case, you do for yourself and your grade first. ignore this boob. she's negative and will drag your spirits down if you let her, so don't let her. mostly ignore her comments or outright confront her and tell her to stop it--your choice. either way, you are going to most likely end up doing most of the work alone. again, in the end, make sure your instructor knows just who did the majority of the work.