Having a tough time...

[mercynurse]

I have to tell you I'm a female in nursing and I've always said we are our own worse enemies! Sometimes women really suck (no pun intended) and I'm one of them

[nursepaula]

Hi Kedesto,
I've been an RN for almost two years and I love it. Nursing school, however, was the WORST! Just remember: Short term suffering, long term gain. YOU CAN MAKE IT!

Nursing school is so high stress for many students that noone is at their best. Of course there is no good excuse for rude behavior, but try to remember that your classmates are probably just too freaked to remember their manners. They'll get over it. Sounds like you are taking good steps to break the ice.

**As long as you graduate, pass the boards, and don't kill any patients, nothing that happens in school has any long term impact.**

Happy Learning!

[MyReign1]

In my class there is this guy who looks so familiar to me and I really wanted to approach him and try to figure out where I knew him from. I was afraid to though because I didn't want him to think I was hitting on him. The "Hey you look familiar line," is so played....LOL! So that has stopped me from saying anything to him the whole semester, not even hi, and I'm a pretty friendly person. Maybe some of the women feel that way or maybe some are married and know thier spouses do not approve of them having males friends, married or not. Who knows?? I do know that if I felt he was left out I would have definately spoek to him. But, he is doing better in the friends department than I am, so I know he'll be alright. Hope it gets better for you.

[Anonymous]

Just cruising around here...Someone told you to kill those women with kindness.


Can I suggest FOOD.... Chocolate preferably..The way to nurses (even student nurses) is through their stomach..

I personally hate it when it's done to me but I use it when it helps me..LOLLL


WR,,, three commas for Becca

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten how it goes.

[Cuchulain]

Oh boy! What am I in for?!? I am a 38 y/o guy who is switching from 14 year career in Information Technology and Business Management to begin a 3 year advanced studies Bachelor of Nursing Program (normally a 4 year program). It's intimidating enough to go back to school at my age without additional stressors like you mention.

I have always wanted to study Nursing but was discouraged earlier on because "men don't become nurses". Well after some recent lifechanges, I've decided to pursue my original career choice. I'm hoping the school I'm attending here in Canada will be a little less intimidating. If not, well if you can't beat em, join em. I'm sure I'll find a way to break the ice.

[Anonymous]

Chocolate.



WR,,, three commas for Becca

[1mg.epi]

Buddy I started nursing school at 38 yo. It can be tough in school and out of school, but it is worth it to me.

By the way, men have been nursing longer than woman. Nurses were once warriors. Stop telling your self men are not nurses.

[GratefulTedd]

It is really cool to see all the encouraging remarks here.

My comment (as rude as it is)- who cares what your classmates think? I suppose we all seek support and approval- but if they are not capable of giving it- do what the above comments suggest, and pass- get out into the real world.

That said- getting along with classmates is good practice for getting along with coworkers- cause it will happen at work also. You will never be "sister" or really truely one of the gang, there will always be a small difference. But you can be an outstanding nurse regardless.

It continues to suprise me- Nursing emphasizes accepting the whole person in all realms of practice, but I guess thats reserved for patients- because racism (same trap- stereotyping based on race or gender- whats the difference?) and sexism in nursing mirror that of the rest of the society as a whole!! You'd think the very nature of Nursing would preclude this behavior- but it doesnt.

What helped me was picking 1-2 women that I could talk to- and bounced my feelings off of them. They were almost as suprised as I have been. I really think that a lot of prejudice is pure 100% ignorance- behaviors in my workplaces have not tended to be from meanness or spite (that does happen but rarely) but they just don't get it. They are chagrined when I tell them how what they just said or did makes me feel (parallels racism and sexism towards women). Now I feel free to educate women around me all the time- in a constructive way- to help them have a btter understanding of my experience.

[lvn38]

I am a Lvn graduate, male, with a class of three guys and 21 females. You will make it. I noticed the women where very selfish and rely on you being a gentleman in order to get ahead in class. Don't fall for it. I was a trucker too. It isnt hard to learn to be compationate. Just treat your pt's like you would want your mother, children,or wife treated and you will be fine. Let me know how it goes. Ps don't let anyone keep you from having your time with your clinical instructors. Good luck

[trier]

Hi, I hope you make it.Be aware that some females are just as bitchy to other females and it hurts to be on the outer at times. I also need help, lots of it so I hope you people can help me. I was having an assessment on medications and have to repeat it. The day I went in I thought I had studied hard enough to make sure I could demonstrate my competence. I went to pieces. For example there was a antibiotic that could have been given by a slow push,once made up with 10ml water which would have been far easier. I elected to dilute it further and use a burette, because I'd been practicing with burettes and ivacs etc. It all seemed to go wrong from then.I had a shocking time and wanted to just walk out then and there. I just made errors that I don't normally make on prac. I need to know that I can show the things I can do and know that the assessors consider me confident. Do any of you have any tips that they've used when having competencies tested?. It is a really stressful time and unfortunately you don't dwell on the things you did well just those that went badly. The trouble too, is sometimes you never know how severely the assessors mark you and they seem to have poker faces. Are there any strategies that you may have used to calm you down (I thought I was calm but after the first five minutes knew I was feeling the stress). I have to do this to finish my prac and any help will be a godsend. I know I can do it but can I do it in front of assessors..What methods have you used to get those nerves under control?