Ok, I'm sure this isn't a new topic. I am just quite frankly surprised at a few reactions I've received. Everyone I've told, that I'm going back to school, is overwhelmingly happy that I'm doing this. A few have surprised me though. They usually follow up with, "the U of --"? I say, "I'm going to -- Community College." First it's a nose crinkle which they immediately try to mask. Then a few have said, "community college?" Which I respond with something like, "it's an excellent way to begin nursing as an RN, then I'll continue and get my BSN at a the U of - and the hospital I work for will pay for it." Depending on the look I may make a comment like "well with tuition costs and my lack of a money tree, it's the only option, and I'm very happy to be doing this!"
I guess I'm a bit surprised. I thought that the community college stigma had lessoned a bit with the reality of tuition costs sky rocketing. I think this attitude may come from the same sort of folks who make fun at people who live in mobile homes. I guess it makes them feel superior, while they provide no alternate option for those who lack the money for what they deem appropriate. So judgemental and not helpful.
As I think about it, even if the tuition cost the same, I would go the ADN route. I don't have the money to get through four years at a university. I think the community colleges work quite well for older students. It's also a smart way to go because I can let my new employer pay my tuition to complete my BSN. The large hospitals here have on site classes that they pay for their ADNs to do to get their BSNs.
Anyway, I've gotten this attitude from my next door neighbor, a BSN psych nurse, my allergist, my aunt, and a cousin. I was just so surprised and caught off guard. My first thought with my older aunt was...if you look down on what I'm doing so much why don't you bankroll me to go all they way and get my NP at the U of --, you do have millions you are sitting on, and you can't take it with you. But I digress. :roll
Specializes in home & public health, med-surg, hospice.
Okay, I realize this is :offtopic: but....what I've never really been able to understand is this sense of pride that some ppl seem to take in this "U of ---" or that "U of ---", wearing t-shirts, car decals, etc. and they didn't even go to school there...???
Okay, I realize this is :offtopic: but....what I've never really been able to understand is this sense of pride that some ppl seem to take in this "U of ---" or that "U of ---", wearing t-shirts, car decals, etc. and they didn't even go to school there...???
What's that all about?
I have worn U of -- t-shirts for years. You know, supposedly I'm a loser for not attending this U now, according to a few relatives. I bought the t-shirts because I've been a basketball fan. You know, you watch the games and cheer for your team for years and it becomes your own, so to speak. I wear the t-shirts on game days, and on rare occations when I actually get tickets to a game.
That said, I don't understand car decals and bumper stickers for those who never attended that school. It seems odd to me, and I'd have to question their motives.
:yeahthat: I have no idea, I went to a state U for my first degree, and my father still buys himself and me all sorts of "duck gear" to support the school. It is cute, but I am a bit more focused on the smaller school that I am now attending for nursing.
Specializes in home & public health, med-surg, hospice.
I have worn U of -- t-shirts for years. You know, supposedly I'm a loser for not attending this U now, according to a few relatives. I bought the t-shirts because I've been a basketball fan. You know, you watch the games and cheer for your team for years and it becomes your own, so to speak. I wear the t-shirts on game days, and on rare occations when I actually get tickets to a game.
That said, I don't understand car decals and bumper stickers for those who never attended that school. It seems odd to me, and I'd have to question their motives.
I'm a "der" (is this a word???). It's about the sports team! Okay, lol.
Why do you feel the need to handle these people's reactions? If you are preparing to take the same NCLEX that a BSN takes, then there is no difference.
I feel the need to handle my emotional reaction to their pomposity. It's hurtful, and when we encounter hurtful people we need a strategy to not get hurt. I've just figured with the wonderful people on this board, that I really need thicker skin. Better to develop that thicker skin now, than when I'm in a hospital on clinicals as a student, or at my first nursing job.
Okay, I realize this is :offtopic: but....what I've never really been able to understand is this sense of pride that some ppl seem to take in this "U of ---" or that "U of ---", wearing t-shirts, car decals, etc. and they didn't even go to school there...???
What's that all about?
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: I have always wondered the same thing!:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
When I first enrolled in Community College after high school I got a lot of crap from my peers. "I hear Community College is just like high school!"
I personally know that if I would have been able to attend a University I would have crashed and burned so hard. I needed a smaller atmosphere. That's just me though.
As I've been going through school I have met a lot of people that have or currently are taken classes at both big universities and community college. he general concensus is that the Community College classes tend to be harder, because there are smaller classes, the teacher had TIME to spend on teaching the class and grading papers. They also have time to HELP the students.
I think someone should do what fits them best. Whether it be University, Technical School, Community College, online courses, or whatever.
I've gotten to the point of "squelching" a few that go on and on about it, i'm THAT tired of it lol
Maybe that's the way to handle people who won't let go of putting other peoples' choices down.
We all make our choices based on what we can handle at the time but we have all moved ahead with our lives in making those choices and, in turn, have helped others move along with theirs.
Here's to those who make the choices and forge ahead. Here's to those who, in spite of the odds and the voices in the crowd, move their own heaven and earth to work in this profession. Here's to those who work as nurses and CNAs and who don't criticize others who didn't get there the same way that you did...but appreciate their presence and their contribution.
I am going to a local community college in the fall to start the nursing program. I am proud to attend school there. The cc's are known for their outstanding and tough nursing programs here in the state of Iowa.
I will continue to work part-timeon the night shift as I like to eat and have a roof over my head. I will take all the skills I learned as a combat medic from the battles of Afghanistan and Iraq with me. Nobody can ever make me feel less important unless we allow them to.
I have seen and done things that most nurses will never do but I am ready to settle down to a career.I know that I make a difference and that is all that counts to me. I need to earn a decent income now that I am home.This is the venue that God has led me to.
So, don't let others get you down. It is not how much one pays for the education in $ that counts, it is what you give to it,get from it and the quality of your teacher. Keep your head held high and the Lord will continue to guide your steps along the pathway he has chosen for you.
Stdy2BaNurse
328 Posts
Cool! Now we can use it for dealing with buckos that give us a hard time about attending a CC
Thanks for the word!!