Will I be shunned?

Moogie · May 8, 2011

Please don't let the drama get you down. You're an adult learner. Yes, some of your classmates might act like they're in high school (or middle school) but remember this is only two years out of your life. Be kind and cordial to your classmates but remember, this isn't a popularity contest. It's nursing school.

I wouldn't go out of my way to torque someone off but you can survive without getting embroiled in other people's drama. Nursing school is very stressful and sometimes people can act badly when they're stressed.

Remember, too, nurses and students come here to vent. Yes, there will be drama in your program. There's drama in every program. But chances are, it's not going to get as bad as it sometimes seems here.

Congratulations on getting accepted! You're going to be okay.

SC APRN, DNP, APRN, NP · May 8, 2011

I don't like study groups, because they seem to socialize while studying, my time is too precious for that. I've done group projects alone, because I wasn't happy with the work my "group" was doing. Also I study better alone at my own crazy pace.

Trauma Columnist · May 8, 2011

I went to nursing school as an adult, married with kids. didn't care to socialize, did my work, got my degree and went on. 19 yrs later can't remember anyone, student or faculty. Lol

milzer2012 · May 8, 2011

I also Just got accepted and was wondering about the same things.

During pre-reqs I got a taste of the users, who are your friend as long as

you have somethhing they want (usually the Answers), don't do their own work, and are puzzled when you won't supply them.

The constant Yackers -

Those who are too busy socializing to listen, do homework or that old time waster - that takes them away from their social life STUDYING.

I plan to be polite and freindly, watch what goes on from a distance, but not get caught up in any special group.

I have a hubby, a son, as well as extended family who are all making sacrifices for me to go to nursing school - any (ha) extra enegry will go towards them, especially my son, who is already worried that school will take away his Mom-time.

Maybe all of us "loners" can have our own group, we already realize that we are here to learn, and that our study time is precious.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 8, 2011

I was an adult student during my time in nursing school (age 23-24 while attending an LVN program and age 28-29 while enrolled in an RN completion program). Since I am a hardcore introvert with an inward focus, I made no special efforts to be a part of the larger clique. I was usually polite to my classmates, but was never involved in any study groups. I always studied alone and prefer it that way.

You are in nursing school to become a nurse. You are not there to make friends. If studying alone feels more comfortable to you, keep on doing it. Don't worry about what the others will think.

2bnurseforce1 · May 8, 2011

First congrats on getting accepted. If study groups work for you great, if not then study alone. No one is going to look down on you for that. Everyone learns differently. Study groups can be great, but it can also be a waist of time just as someone on here already said it seems to be more of social hour. I say when you start you will figure out what works best for you.

mangopeach · May 8, 2011

I don't see why you should be shunned. I dunno, So far my nursing school experience has been great. I also prefer to study alone. Study groups just don't work for me. I've said this to classmates. They don't mind. I still feel close to them. We discuss things, have lunch together, talk about the joys and frustrations of nursing school as well as non nursing school issues. We help each other as needed in clinicals. When it comes to studying, I just prefer to fly solo. No one has shunned me.

I also want to say don't go into nursing school with any pre-conceived notions. After reading a lot of horror stories about nursing school, the instructors and students, I was soooo so anxious about school. Ya know what, my nursing school experience has been nothing like the crazy stories I've heard.

taalyn_1, CNA · May 8, 2011

I prefer to study alone too. There are a few study groups going, but they are at times I cannot go so I just study on my own. Some created a FB page for our class which is awesome as its a way to connect and share frustrations or revelations. But as for getting it into my head, I prefer to do that on my own.

I like my classmates, they are all friendly and very bright. I do not mind socializing while in school/clinicals but most live relatively far away from where I do so socializing outside of that is not really an option. I dont think you will be shunned, just be friendly and do what you have to do to get through the classes. Some of your classmates may in fact become good friends, some you will forget all about and never see again... I would just be open to that and let come what may. Good Luck.

studentgolfer · May 8, 2011

Thanks everyone for your replies, I figured it would be like anything else in life and would be better if I went into it with an open mind :). I too find that study groups move too slow for my liking or like you all said it turns into social hour. Social hour is fine (when I'm out with my colleague RN's after a Friday evening shift two years from now :).)

I was concerned as I am much closer to a Trad. student than it seems many of you are! I am a 22 y.o. male and thought it might look more "standoffish" if I were to not involve myself terribly with everyone. I mean, I am an extrovert but school has always been serious business for me.

Also like one of the original respondents noted, I got a taste early on in my pre-reqs for the type of "partners" that sit around in lab because they don't know what to do, and then get equal credit. I won't let this happen in NS, because although my post makes it seem like I am a shy/quiet person, I'm really not.

Moogie · May 8, 2011

Yeah, there are some who might think that you're being standoffish. Just tell them upfront that you prefer to study alone. You can still be friendly and fit in without having to join a study group.

You might want to join your student nurse organization at your school. It would be a good way to get to know classmates on a different level as well as get involved with some of the issues facing nursing.

BTW, being a guy, you might be able to avoid some of the drama. You also might get a little more attention, some positive, some negative, from classmates and instructors.

Missy77 · May 8, 2011

Just be careful not to distance yourself too much. I'm a shy person so no one in class except for a few students spoke to me and I can count on my hands how many times that happened. It was like high school and the groups formed quickly. I had no one in lab to practice lab with except the instructors and no friends to talk to about the class. It was rather lonely. Because of this I could not miss class or clinical because I couldn't rely on anyone to give me information about what when on that day. Just be open and friendly and not standoffish or it will her you in the long run like it did me.