Why so competitive?

Ap3x6 · Sep 28, 2008

It sounds like you're extremely unlucky. I'm in my third semester in nursing school and I have had the complete opposite experience. With the exception of a few people most people are more than willing to help others. I remember I was sick once during the first month in our first semester and I had three, yes, three people from my clinical group call me up and explain what I had missed and what was due the next day. Needless to say I was a little shocked but it just goes to show that not everyone is in it for themselves. Honestly, the people in my class have made nursing school a much better experience and hopefully things will change for you.

Valasca · Sep 28, 2008

So far the people in my class seem pretty nice and supportive...thank goodness!

You have to keep in mind that at the very least (though most likely longer) most students spent an entire year in direct competition with everyone in their class. Perhaps this competitive behavior has become habit and now they are unaware of their attitude toward other students? My advice to you is to lead by example, be the change you want to see. Offer to help others even if they don't ask for it, go out of your way a little to be kind to your peers. I think you behaving this way will change the overall vibe and others will follow your lead.:icon_hug:

Those who don't can spend the next two years in their self made isolation. :banghead:

Ap3x6 · Sep 28, 2008

Those who don't can spend the next two years in their self made isolation.

It's funny you mention this.. I have noticed the few people who aren't willing to help others do get "exiled" and have to sit in the grave they dug. Honestly, I don't get why people do this. In the end it's better for you because you know who you can and can't count on when you need it.

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Sep 28, 2008

You will find these people al through out your life's travels!! I share my notes and in return many share theirs to me! And I tell you, what a difference it makes! It benefits both people. I no longer pass along information to people that cant say thanks--I don't expect notes in return, just a simple thanks! If they cant say a simple thanks, I can't simply add them to the email,lol I don tknow how many times another students notes has benefited me durign an exam and vice versa!

Mia123 · Sep 28, 2008

It might depend on what you are asking, also. I have a student who sits by me who does not do assignments, and the day it is due always asks everyone the answers. Sometimes she says she wants to compare our answers to hers, then we see her copying our answers. I have no problem helping others or discussing assignments, but it gets old when it is one-sided. We all work very hard to complete things on time, and then to just give her the answers??? I don't think so. Of course, there are times when I have forgotten to do an assignment or something, and I ask friends for help, but it goes both ways. They help me, and I help them. But, if you are not willing to help others, they will probably not help you. Now, I am not sure what you are asking your classmates, this may not apply to you. If this person who sits by me is clarifying an assignment or something, thats fine. I will help, but not if she just wants answers because she is too lazy to do it herself.

MB37 · Sep 28, 2008

Everyone at my school was good about sharing too - except with a few people who were obvious slackers, bragged about not studying, rarely came to class, and then begged every week for your notes. Those people would get left off of e-mails sometimes, sorry. My last semester I decided I didn't care anymore, so I just sent mine to everyone, figuring that my notes weren't enough to help someone pass if they didn't study at all. It was extremely competitive to get into my program too, but with 1100 applicants each semester, most of us didn't actually know any of our classmates until NS started.

COLPN · Sep 28, 2008

I find our class is very supportive of each other. At the same time we are competitive and always trying to top quiz, assignment, and test grades. We study together and do group quiz and cram sessions before the exams. In clinical we are there for one another and share procedures if there is a student who needs more practice. I'm very proud of my class and feel very fortunate to have such great group of people.

There are the quiet ones and the more outgoing ones, but I think we have a good balance of personalities.