Why are my classmates so competitive?????

Energizer Bunny · Jun 19, 2004

YOu know in the spirit of all this, I decided to start an online group for my class that is starting in the fall. I have met one person in my class and am sending it on to her to spread the word. I thought it might be a place for support, links, assignment reminders, etc. (actually got the idea on here from someone). The point is, maybe this will help my class band together and help each other out instead of being quite so competitive. A little competition is fine, but it can go waaaaay overboard.

HyperRNRachel · Jun 19, 2004

I have not read each response and I cannot remember if I have responded already, but I am going to post my two cents (it may not be worth that).

I think in the beginning the competitiveness was a result of a need to be noticed by the instructors. But I think as the classes become more involved, friendships with classmates start to form, and the realization that it is better to impress the patients or R.N.s on the clinical floor than the instructors, the competitiveness wears off. At least it has in our group. I'm not being sugary sweet ,but our group about 60 or so, have started to pull together. The lines that were drawn, separating the high grade students from the low grade students are starting to disappear. I think we have learned that nursing has more to do with self-learning and group work....the instructors are guides. The real learning comes from our personal experiences. It may just be me, but I think the single most important aspect of nursing is having the ability to understand the diversity of people we will be treating. Therefore, that knowledge is learned with our ability to interact among classmates. In order to do this you have to let down that "I'm not helping anyone, I'm going to get all A's all by myself, I will turn in such good grades my instructors will weep" mentality. Instead, you realize that I want to finish my degree and I want everyone who has started this journey with me to finish as well. And while that one person is still standing like a spoiled brat screaming look at me look at me, the students who are going above and beyond the call of duty are the real shining stars. Those are the students, who in the long run catch the eye and admiration of the instuctors and fellow students. And yes...I use to be one of those students. I had all A's. I am a happier, more relaxed, much more likeable person and the best part is, every time I try to help someone else I expand my own knowledge.

emme2004 · Jul 29, 2004

have anyone, or does anyone have to deal with the competitiveness, cattyness and unbearable melting pot of personalities of fellow nursing classmates?
at times my teacher broadcasts the grades of those who scored the highest on exams and quizzes,and i wonder if this adds to the atmosphere of competition and inadequacy. though i get decent grades i know that at times when i've "fallen short" i have questioned my brainpower.
we have enough stressors this competition thing really disgusts me.:angryfire

i am glad that i don't have a teacher like that yet. there are a couple of fellow students that i will have nursing classes with that are what i call "one uppers". i really don't think that there is a need for it. as far as i am concerned, we have to support each other.

Rn2b204 · Jul 29, 2004

In just about every profession I've been around that has been dominated by women, I've seen the cattiness part. Women are more devious I think than men by nature and rather than get in a physical confrontation (which goes against the 'good girl' mentality many are raised with) they'll fight with sly or behind-the-back tactics and mind games.
Not all women are like this, but a good portion are. I see it for what it is though, and have no problem calling people on it.

GOD! I totally agree with this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RN2b204 :) :balloons: :) :balloons:

Rn2b204 · Jul 29, 2004

Is this what I have to look forward to when I start nursing school this Sept.? Man, when does this madness stop. I'm going to be focused on other things I am not going to have time to be worried about who is making what grade. As long as I'm satisfied with my grade then I'm not going to worry about anything or anyone else.

Rn2b204 :) :balloons: :) :balloons: