Who determines if you are a RN.

[DXHX]

Today, had a clinical instructor say "AND you want to be a RN" after asking me to speak in a classroom of full of my peers. I don't see eye to eye with some of my peers and would rather be seen and not heard, instead of speaking out of my.... This is the instructors first day and she has prejudged me. I say give me a chance and stop assuming you know who and what I am really about. Friends and Family who are in my life 24/7 understand me.

[smf0903]

Maybe I am bullheaded, but if an instructor said "AND you want to be a RN", my response would be "Challenge accepted"

The best instructors are usually the ones who are liked the least. Are there crummy ones? Sure. By and large, though, the instructors who are GOOD will push you, will not let you idle in your comfort zone. They are the instructors you appreciate usually only AFTER you are done with their class/clinical.

I can't tell you how many times I have rubbed other students the wrong way. Astonishingly, I am not everyone's cup of tea , mostly because I am a question-asker (though I take great care not to ask questions during lectures...I realize how little time there is for such a great amount of material...but I STILL get the eye rolls and loud sighs, and that's ok by me, I'm not there to be everyone's friend) and because I do the opposite of most. The "cranky" nurse at clinicals, I am sure to say "Hey, I'm sorry you're having a bad day. Is there anything I can do to help?" which is seen as butt-kissing by most, I call it getting along with clinical co-workers and the people I may work with in the future.

So I guess what I am saying is try not to throw up a wall. This instructor may turn out to be one of your best, maybe not, but who knows? Take a breath and try to make a new first impression :)

Good luck to you! I hope everything works out

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day, DXHX:

The first word/thought that came to mind when I read your post was "DRAMA!" Other than acting, what professions do you believe tolerate DRAMA, and whose members grow and thrive in it? To my knowledge, nursing is one of those professions that require a thick skin along with a "go get em" attitude where you rise to the challenge.

If I had your day, I would hope and pray for the courage that the very next day I would (first thing) approach the clinical instructor asking for them to give me another chance to speak in front of the classroom of my peers; then do it in the most professional fashion. Whether you like it or not, DXHX, you are a part of a cohort/team now. You don't have to agree with anyone, see eye to eye with anyone, but you should be able to respect everyone enough to speak openly in a loving and patient way holding off any drama.

smf0903 brought up good points.

Thank you.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Over the past 3 years, I've had some very good instructors. Most have been tough but want you to rise to the challenge. There is one that looks at all her students and if she sees something she doesn't like, she'll latch on to you and won't let go unless you quit, she decides to fail you, or someone else catches her eye. She threatens everyone with failure. "You were going to fail, but I decided to let you pass" is basically her attitude. I didn't learn much clinically from her... but I definitely learned a LOT about myself from her. I don't wish her ill, it's just that she has a lot to learn about teaching. Not everyone is naturally good at teaching, and some people never learn how...

Now then I did accept the challenge that was ultimately presented to me and now I'm an RN. Challenge accepted and overcome.

[Spangle Brown]

Well, at some point your friends and family are not going to 'get you." Since they will not be having experiences what you will, in school and on the job. However, This professor does have a clue to what you will be dealing with.

From what I have been reading here, RN's are not trained with kid gloves. By the time you hit the hospital floors, you need to be able to think under a great deal of life and death stress. What happens next is up to you. If your going to let it get to you, then your done. Other wise, let it go, chin up and get in there and shine.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

If you're one of those people who expects respect without achievement and gets offended easily, you probably won't last through the second semester ...and maybe not even the first one. If you expect understanding and concern for your feelings, you're also in for a rough time.

Learn to take criticism without holding a grudge, and you might have a chance. Everything in school is centered around the patient. No one is going to care what you want/think/feel/etc. Expect occasional group projects, too. You won't always get to choose who you work with, so try to stay on acceptable terms with everyone, if possible.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

A big question is what was going on that caused her to prejudge you? Were you talking? Were you not answering questions?

[nrseducator]

I'm sorry you experienced that and to answer your question YOU determine if you will be an RN. I am a nurse educator that have experienced and seen and heard the hurtful things that are said to nursing students and nurses. It is for this reason I am dedicated to ending the bullying in NURSING. It has to stop especially when we say we are a nurturing profession. Well when you treat our future successors this way it makes me think. I would like you and other students like you to join forces with me in transforming the nursing profession.

Again I am sorry you experienced this.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

I don't get what the heck the OP is even saying, so I can't understand others comments.....could OP clarify??

[aeris99]

I don't get what the heck the OP is even saying, so I can't understand others comments.....could OP clarify??

Sounds like she froze and the instructor called her out on the need to be able to present information to people?

OP if that's the case look into joining Toastmasters. They are a club that builds public speaking skills. Trust me they rock!! Also take every chance you get to present. It gets easier the more you do it. And like the PP said, the tough instructors are usually the best to learn from. Show initiative and they most likely will push you to succeed!