It is difficult to imagine a student self-sabotaging their academic journey. I don’t think any student intentionally tries to prevent themselves from progressing in a nursing program. However, in my experience as a nurse faculty, I picked up on patterns of behavior that self limited student success. This article will provide insight on these behaviors and how to avoid them. Nurses General Nursing Article
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You can easily find an article, book or tipsheet on how to succeed in nursing school. Most nursing programs offer an "orientation" to the program and dedicate time on the agenda to discuss student success. I would like to use my experience as a nursing instructor and take a different approach by exploring how students sabotage their own success. I have never met a nursing student that came to class thinking "what is the best way I can derail this train?". However, there are common pitfalls you can encounter on your nursing journey.
Prior to entering the nursing program, you probably knew nurses or students who told you "nursing school is not like your other college courses". The first week of nursing school, the nurse faculty introduce students to the academic intensity of the program. Throughout the first few modules, students are encouraged to study everyday, participate in lab and stay current on assignments. Unfortunately, there will be students who decide to prepare for exams the same way as previously and carry on poor study habits.
I have been a nurse for 23 years and I still admire nursing students. With increasing numbers of nontraditional students, juggling "life" with coursework is a challenge. It is not uncommon for students to work, raise children, care for family and fill many other roles along with the rigorous demands of nursing school. In order to be successful, there must be room on your plate of responsibilities for class, study time, clinicals and assignments. It is easy to become over-extended and overwhelmed trying to keep everything on your plate. There will come a time when something needs to be moved off your plate for nursing school.
I made it a priority to meet with each student with a non-passing grade at midterm. This was a great opportunity for students to reflect on what has worked well for them and what areas need to be improved moving forward. There were students who took accountability and formulated a plan for improvement. There were also students who were stuck in the "blame game". The blame game is background noise that prevents students from taking personal responsibility for their learning. The blame game often resembles the following:
When you miss class in nursing school, you are missing hours of information. You cheat yourself from the opportunity to be exposed to the information and ask questions. It is very difficult in nursing school to depend on the "notes" taken by another student. Skipping classes is the fastest and most effective way to derail your success train.
It is impossible for a group to spend so much time together and not have pockets of drama. Drama in nursing school can play out in many ways. When I taught, examples of student drama included:
Here is my advice on student drama...... it is very loud "noise" that will distract you if you let it. Focus on your success and leave all the drama noise in the distant background.
You will not "pull out" a passing grade with bonus points. It is very rare bonus points are available in nursing programs and if they are... most likely not enough to significantly impact your overall grade.
Be aware of your self dialogue and have a strategy to refocus. Examples of negative self-talk include:
A good strategy to counter negative thinking: don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else. When a negative thought enters you mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with positive self-affirmations.
Remember to focus on your personal success and keep background noise just that.....in the far background. What are pitfalls to success you have encountered in nursing school?
For student tips for success, check this out.