Worried about instructors

[futurenurseashley]

I'm going to start nursing school next Tuesday. I've been to orientation, a nursing school workshop, and a meet and greet so far. My concern is that while the administrators of my program have been present at every event, my teachers are not. The learning specialist, dean, department head, and instructors of other levels have attended these preparatory events, but the Level 1 teachers have not. The other staff have said they are on vacation or being with their new spouses. This concerns me because it seems as though they do not meet the level of commitment to which the students have dedicated themselves. Are your nursing teachers an enigma until the first day of classes? I feel as though my teachers are ignoring our need to be prepared for this program. I understand that these people have dedicated their lives to training nurses, but feel they don't show the same commitment as the other faculty members. This leads me to believe that these teachers will be the kind to preach and not practice. Is this the norm in other programs, or am I overly anxious in believing that my teachers should be available at the same before-school commitments that the students are required to attend? I don't want to begin nursing school with an attitude that my instructors are less committed to me than I am to them, but I also don't want to have false expectations of my teachers. I just thought that my teachers would at least be present at orientation. Is this normal?

[JBudd, MSN]

"am I overly anxious in believing that my teachers should be available at the same before-school commitments that the students are required to attend?"

Yes, you seriously are. There is a very short period of time between semesters, and if that is when an instructor can get away, then that is when she goes. Spending time with a new spouse? For Pete's sake, think about it! You want folks to take vacation during the semester?

Orientation is for you, not them. They already know what is going on. Many students never meet instructors until the first day of class, and things go just fine.

Deep breaths! Yes, nursing school is all consuming for you right now, but your faculty needs to have a life outside of school or they'll be of no use to you.

[MermiesGreatGig]

Just think of it this way...if they're fresh off vacation, they'll be more relaxed, focused, and definitely in a much better mood to deal with you and your classmates. First semester is very tough as it is. Don't allow this to become a grudge before you even start. GOOD LUCK!

[elkpark]

Yes, you're being overly concerned. I have spent a lifetime (seems like it! :)) in nursing academia -- diploma program, BSN completion program, grad program, and then teaching -- and, in my experience, it is typical to only meet your instructor(s) the first day of class or clinical.

As for the absent instructors, they're probably not missing orientation because they're lounging by the pool, sipping mojitos, and can't be bothered -- from my own experience, I would pretty much guarantee you they're frantically running around behind the scenes somewhere, finishing syllabi, making sure labs and supplies are set up, attending required meetings of their own, orienting to clincal sites, preparing/reviewing lecture notes, etc. Orientation is traditionally, in most schools, something that the administrators and support people do because the faculty are honestly too busy, getting ready to teach you, to be involved.

[Music in My Heart]

We didn't meet our instructors until the first day of class, just like my other degree programs.

These folks have lives and they are paid to spend a certain amount of time performing their jobs. It would be unreasonable to demand that they also be at a reception to greet you before classes have even started.

I challenge your assertion that you need to meet them in order to prepare for your program. You don't need to prepare, you just need to show up at the first day of class, on time, and with a good attitude.

[TessaMae]

I would say that you are probably be a bit critical. I'm fairly sure that the instructors aren't asked to come, I doubt they are just not showing up. Take a deep breath and try not to worry!

[UVA Grad Nursing]

At my University (all departments, all schools), all of the administrators are on 12-month contracts. Faculty are on 9-month contracts that start the week before the first day of classes and end the week after graduation.

In the summer months, faculty are doing their own research, engaging in their own practice areas, readying classes, etc. Many of our clinical faculty are also working as RNs in the summer months since they are not teaching.

At my University, we do not require faculty (or other employees) to come to work when they are not under contract.

[JBGC4]

The school administrators and such are contracted Full Time. Teachers, are not. This is usually the reason why people decide to teach. Sure, they can choose to teach a class in the summer, but do not have too. Face it- when school's out, so are the teachers. Give em a break. They too are working hard. Be thankful they are teaching, or you wouldn't have a nursing program to go to. This is a big problem, not having enough nurse educators.

[Music in My Heart]

In the summer months, faculty are doing their own research, engaging in their own practice areas, readying classes, etc.

Not to mention just using their unpaid free time to live their lives.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I know this sounds overly harsh ... but think about this. The OP is complaining about her instructors and she hasn't even met them yet! School hasn't even started! It disheartens me as a faculty member to think that my students might be so hypercritical and quick to judge without even giving the faculty a chance to do a good job.

[Music in My Heart]

This leads me to believe that these teachers will be the kind to preach and not practice.

Following off of llg's post, I suggest you lose this attitude before you meet your teachers.

[J9G2008]

You will definitely be more committed to the program that the instructors are to you. For you, this is a life change, and of course you will be working hard. The instructors? They already passed this class. It's not like it's life or death for them that you pass.

Honestly, my instructors are awesome, but if you approach people with negativity and suspicion, that's what you'll get back.