So I'm having a little bit of difficulty understanding this. Why is everybody competitive in nursing?
We're all getting the same degree, and you don't need high marks to get a Masters and/or NP. I've found that many people like to brag and frequently get upset at other people's accomplishments in nursing (for example, grades).
I've noticed this more among my peer group when I started my business plan. They doubted me at first, called it stupid, and interrogated me frequently. Now that my business is up and running, they expect me to hire them into my home care agency and I feel like they're waiting for me to fail. Don't get me wrong, I don't brag. I only talk about it in school when I'm asked about the subject or asked what I want to do after graduation. I know it's this stupid competitive vibe that's going around, and I'd really like to understand how to avoid this negativity.
I'm not talking about all of the students, but it's really becoming a trend.
"Why can't we all get along?" Where is the fun in that?? :***: Seriously tho, as a former business owner and current student, you're just going have to get a thick skin. They'll be wanting you to share in your success (ride your coattails) while secretly (or not) hoping you fall flat. Call it envy, call it jealousy but don't let it get under your skin. Good luck in your agency- I had an agency too (domestic) and it was great being my own boss!!
You can only do what you can do. Maybe it is nervousness that they won't get a job, they can't form their own business, they are up to their eyeballs in debt with no clear plan or goal.
Whatever. You don't need to be BFF's with them. You don't even need to see them out of school. Your life and goals are your own.
Some people just like to stir the pot. So you would think that if they don't want to know the answer, they just wouldn't ask. Not the case most of the time. Its a phenomenon not exclusive to nursing.
Why on earth does it matter? Why bring yourself down with what other people think? They are temporary people in your life. They only have space in your head if you let them.
Do your own thing, be happy.
If other people choose to support you, that's a nice bonus.
Lots of nurses are very competitive people. Think about it... to get into nursing school in certain areas of the country you have to be in the top 10-25% of your class. If you're in the top ranks of your class you're probably driven. People who are driven are competitive and smart. Nurses are also disempowered and angsty because they are highly capable, responsible, and accountable for things they may not have control over so they usually freak out when they feel they have lost control and it manifests itself as open aggression or passive aggression towards patients or other nurses etc. I once heard a theory that nurses were probably abused as children because they are always trying to please an angry public and doctors etc. I thought it was accurate in its conclusion of trying to please... we have some weird desire to please and when it doesn't work out right we blame ourselves. Burnout, here I come.
Lots of nurses are very competitive people. Think about it... to get into nursing school in certain areas of the country you have to be in the top 10-25% of your class. If you're in the top ranks of your class you're probably driven. People who are driven are competitive and smart.
Joe has a point.
I remember 2 student nurses who used to come up to people saying things like, "I got 97% on the test, what did you get?" That was competitiveness coupled with immaturity.
Just keep taking the high road. Smile, don't participate in the competition, and give specific praise when indicated.
Lots of nurses are very competitive people. Think about it... to get into nursing school in certain areas of the country you have to be in the top 10-25% of your class. If you're in the top ranks of your class you're probably driven. People who are driven are competitive and smart. Nurses are also disempowered and angsty because they are highly capable, responsible, and accountable for things they may not have control over so they usually freak out when they feel they have lost control and it manifests itself as open aggression or passive aggression towards patients or other nurses etc. I once heard a theory that nurses were probably abused as children because they are always trying to please an angry public and doctors etc. I thought it was accurate in its conclusion of trying to please... we have some weird desire to please and when it doesn't work out right we blame ourselves. Burnout, here I come.
I've never really thought of it from that point of view... Thank you for your insight!
Do you talk to your classmates the way you've talked to people on this site? 'Cause that might be your problem right there ...
I've made many great friendships in nursing and was voted as representative. I do not think I talk inappropriately at all on this site, and simply voice my opinion. You can choose to ignore my posts or perhaps get off the internet if you're offended, because there are worse people than me.
I've made many great friendships in nursing and was voted as representative. I do not think I talk inappropriately at all on this site, and simply voice my opinion. You can choose to ignore my posts or perhaps get off the internet if you're offended, because there are worse people than me.
I've made many great friendships in nursing and was voted as representative. I do not think I talk inappropriately at all on this site, and simply voice my opinion. You can choose to ignore my posts or perhaps get off the internet if you're offended, because there are worse people than me.
Kiki1970
113 Posts
"Why can't we all get along?" Where is the fun in that?? :***: Seriously tho, as a former business owner and current student, you're just going have to get a thick skin. They'll be wanting you to share in your success (ride your coattails) while secretly (or not) hoping you fall flat. Call it envy, call it jealousy but don't let it get under your skin. Good luck in your agency- I had an agency too (domestic) and it was great being my own boss!!