Will I be shunned?

SkaterGurl · May 11, 2011

I have spent the whole 2 years of school studying alone. I have participated in group projects and have gone out with my classmates as well. I don't feel that I have been shunned or that I have shunned anyone in return. People are busy and each person has their own way of studying. I prefer to study alone. I wouldn't let it get to you.

learner1108 · May 11, 2011

As others have said, be friendly but study alone when that works best for you. At my school, the instructors would not allow us to work on graded assignments alone. We had to be in a group. If you are having a hard time finding a partner, tell the most sympathetic instructor and she/he will probably set you up with a welcoming group. For studying for tests - after your first group assignment, you can ask one of your classmates or group if you can join them or their group to study.

I met one of my dearest friends because both of us had no partners when lab partners were chosen. The teacher put us together because we had no one else. We worked together on everything the rest of the time in nursing school.

I would advise you to always get your part of assignments finished early, have good notes and help others in your group, and DON'T ever make snarky, snide, hateful remarks about anyone in your class to their face or behind their back. Don't do it and call it kidding. If it can hurt feelings or cause someone to be mad, don't say it. Not even to a trusted classmate. If you should get in a group which does these things regularly, ask your instructor to advise you on another group.

Also, don't roll your eyes when anyone is talking (if you are an eye roller). Always take the high road in reactions.

You have the jitters right now. When school gets started everything will be fine. You got this far; you can do it. Congratulations on being accepted. You will be fine.

mnmcbm · May 11, 2011

So I've always been a solo flyer when it comes to studying and I'm wondering if I do not act as "part of the group" if I will be asking for trouble. I was just accepted to an ADN-RN program. Clearly this is a generic question but I get the feeling that in nursing school your cohort is generally pretty tight (except for the people that hate their classmates)

I do not think you will be shunned but don't discount a study group quite yet. I was always a solo learner as well but when I started nursing school, I hooked up with two classmates that I knew from pre-reqs. We would meet every morning for 3 hours before lecture and just do homework together. We could discuss things we didn't understand or share study tips. Then before exams we would go through all of our flash cards and quiz one another. Also we would get together and collectively make a study guide which is nice to have a 3 or 4 pg outline of the most important info that you can carry around with you the days before the exam.

In my program, you absolutely have to have at least one person that you can practice skills with and also we have to tape some of our skills and you need someone willing to tape you. When you are being taped, it is nice to feel comfortable with the person taping you. Even though I am older than most of my classmates, I have found that you become really close to your study group. We have expanded from the original 3 to about 10 of us that do not all meet at once but that get together and then share info with the ones that coulnd't make it. Anyway, I guess I just do not think I would make it through without the friendships of the men and women in my group. :)

royhanosn · May 11, 2011

I agree! you maybe shunned because you dont have all the latest and greatest toys.

your there for 2 or more years...PLUS your an adult student.

the kids in your class have little if none life experience, you may wind up being a teacher.

mysticalmoonray · May 11, 2011

Congrats, I just got accepted to the RN program at LSUE. Most of the LPN-RN advance track are all adult students who do not live on campus. I'm 26 and in the middle of the age range. I think I'll attend study groups to see what they contain, get to know everyone in the group, etc. If the study group helps my individual studying then I'll join, if its not helping then I'll still be friendly but be more inclinded to study independently.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · May 11, 2011

I like the ladies (and one gentleman!) in my cohort, but all of them are much older than me & most already have kids,other degrees,etc & so on lol. So I do kinda feel like the odd one out. But that's okay, b/c like everyone mentioned, I'm in school to become a nurse..not to become BFF's with everyone. Also, my school is an hour away by car, and most of my classmates live in the area, so I'm sure that they study together. It's just not feasible for me to drive up there (especially with gas being so expensive!!) just to study with them. Plus, I tried a study group once & it just did NOT work for me because all I did was socialize lol.

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · May 11, 2011

Congrats on getting in!

I am one that needs a study group. As long as they are there to study. Some chit chat during a break is ok, but not for very long. I like learning things from the others because they always have a different perspective than me. I just learn better that way than studying on my own. Shoot, even if I can't make it to a study group I have my hubby help me!

leenak · May 11, 2011

I am a bit of a loner but one thing that really helps me remember things is to explain them to others so I like studying with people sometimes. I'm perfectly happy to study by myself though.

Tonya75 · May 11, 2011

I just finished my first year. I too prefer to study alone, and I was never shunned. I am fortunate enough to be in a class with a great group of people, and we all know that each of us has our own way of learning. Just be careful to make sure that your classmates know you are not snubbing them, you are only using the method that works best for you, and be a team player when it comes to other things. Best of luck-it's really not the nightmare people make it out to be!

cgravier · May 11, 2011

I dont like study groups but I do study with 2 girls. (its more to help them but it helps me a little too) Cliques will naturally develope and unless everyone hates your guts you you'll fit in somewere.

Cuezee2 · May 12, 2011

It's nice to have a group of peers that can help you out if you need it, but that doesn't mean you have to always be with them or study with them, etc. I never study in groups, I don't learn that way, I need to be by myself in a quiet environment. However, I've befriended people in my clinicals so I do have someone to call or ask questions to if I need it. Good luck you you!

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · May 12, 2011

I'm way more efficient studying by myself than with a group. However, I have loved the time I've had with my cohorts during clinicals and even around class time. We learn a lot from each other and help each other to get through skills demonstrations. My take is that study groups are a waste of time but I don't believe that all your learning will come on your own.