This may be considered “street smarts” but it’s actually just some straightforward thoughts about being in school and nursing that’s helpful but not found in your syllabus or text books ????
A few ramblings about approaching your nursing professor
- What is a professor? They are not your friend,
nor an enemyso agree to disagree because it’s your future and what you hope to become, a nurse and so much more. If you have any issues, your professor is your best resource and if there’s still conflict then follow the chain of command but keep it simple and civil because once again, they are your future as an RN. - When to go to your professor? If you find yourself overwhelmed or you are struggling to grasp the content, go to your professor! They are not the last resort because they will wonder, why didn’t you come to them at first and how can they trust you? You made them assume everything is okay but all along you were drowning and lost. Now you must work harder and feel even more overwhelmed. Go to them as soon as possible so they can steer you in the right direction from the as soon as possible.
- How to approach a difficult teacher? Simply stay focus. Your professor is not your friend and may not give the sweetest advice, but they are they to fulfill a need, which is to help, therefore don’t overthink or assume anything negative. Don’t assume that you will hear something positive as well because you can easily get your feelings hurt. Think about the best and worst-case scenario beforehand but remember your goal is to simply get some help or guidance.
- Email first if you feel very uncomfortable, if no response than approach them after class or ask about office hours.
- Once you get a date and time, PREPARE. You can discuss your method of studying, what is or not helping, past experiences…Here are some basic questions to keep the meeting focused and meaningful:
- How do I prepare for an exam in your class?
- What other resources are available that could help me besides the text book?
- What has helped your students in the past?
- Do you have any study tips that you help me become more successful?
- How do you manage your time in very stressful situations?
- What do I focus on, if the subject or textbook is hard to follow or complicated?
Avoid questions that will show laziness i.e. can you give me the answers or just tell me what’s on the test? Do not be judgmental, talkative, confrontational, sarcastic, or ask too many questions…None of that will help you for the exam. YOU must learn nursing like it’s your last name so keep your meeting short and sweet, so you can get back to studying and but more focused.
Extra Considerations:
- A meeting is good for developing a report with your professor, so you don’t always have to go because you are having problems. However, time is valuable and you have to be mindful of that so they won’t get irritated. Consider other forms of communication such as texting and emailing.
- Try to limit yourself to <3 meetings per semester (think about the beginning of the semester, midterms/finals or for a paper/project). Each meeting should also reflect your progress and efforts. You’re not there to have fun. No progress than ask other students or follow the chain of command to seek guidance. Otherwise, go to the office on a mission! and get what you need to pass the course.
Some Thoughts About how Nursing is Changing
- The need for more technology. Like I tell my parents who struggle to email, if you don’t evolve, like dinosaurs you will become extent. Therefore, once you’re done with school, continue to practice computer and typing skills. Also, be mindful that any storm or damage can knock out power, so also save your most important documents/backups/private files in a secure location. Regarding privacy, technology always have a risk for a security breach and social media can have people socializing themselves into a crime or sharing the wrong information like an address. Like anything else, take precautions online and stay current.
- Older is not always better. This factor is controversial, but it cannot be ignored. Nursing is physically and mentally demanding and unfortunately, just because you have the age, maturity, or knowledge does not mean people will hire you. According to my co-workers, they have dealt with discrimination because they believed companies see them as a liability and asked more about their disabilities than their nursing skills. Overall jobs can somewhat legally hide this bias under the pretense of someone “being over qualified” but know YOU DESERVE better. I wouldn’t care to work at a hospital that don’t embrace people differences and most of the time, you will dodged a bullet. Hospitals that don’t have a diverse group of staff or experiences can limit your options and skills. Look for jobs where the staff is welcoming and supportive.
- No more eggs in one basket. This is probably across the board, but loyalty is rarely rewarded nowadays. I’ve witnessed multiple times how nurses working 30+ years will get walked out because of downsizing or other frivolous reasons. If you want a raise or extra benefits, you’re better off leaving (give a 2-week notice) and find a job that will pay you more or risk getting your salary capped off no matter how long you’ve stayed at that one job. The economy should be enough of a reason to further your career. Overall, you should always think about other options and have a plan B for emergencies.
Encouragement (If You FAIL)
- Although I did not fail my boards on the first attempt, I am a firm believer in NEVER giving up on your passion in nursing. People still became a nurse after failing their boards +5 times and still rocked on! We’ve all been disappointed, failed an exam, and sometimes was completely traumatized but PICK YOURSELF UP. One thing no one will argue about is the need for more COMPASSION in the world, especially nursing. I am ROOTING for you, no matter what.
- They are plenty of nurses who have passed the NCLEX and still struggle years after school especially if they are in a specialty. The human body is complicated. Once again, we will always need nurses especially those who can empathized and emotionally support others.
- Nurses who passed their boards the first time and even when people failed their boards multiple times can still remain arrogant, reckless, and difficult to work with…do not compare yourself to nobody’s success or failure because there’s always a plan exclusively for you, and you alone.
- Have faith in God. Only HE knows your situation. Some people had a silver platter their whole life and others had to balance a full-time job, kids, and sick loved ones…etc. again do not compare yourself to others and continue to be the BEST you can possibly be for yourself.
- Surround yourself by positive and supportive people, they see your effort and want you to succeed no matter what flaws you think you have. If you don’t have a support system than continue to depend on God, He’s truly all you ever need when everyone else ran off. Think about it, no one has ever said “God is running”. God is always by our side. Jesus is our TRUE friend indeed and will give you peace and in those quiet moments, think positive and continue studying. If not nursing, than let your heart and not a failure decide your next decision. I AM rooting for YOU!
