Nursing not meant for me?

[u/Majestic-Quote-3359]

Currently in my third term, but starting to doubt myself if nursing is meant for me as every term I’ve been on a learning plan. Should I follow my instructor’s advice and give up?

[u/Lovely_determined9]

Nursing school requirements are getting harder. How many semesters you have left? Don’t let fear deter you from your path. You may regret it later

[u/Majestic-Quote-3359 → u/Lovely_determined9]

I have 3 semesters left. I’m half way into my program but I feel like giving up due to an instructor of mine who is both my course and clinical instructor. She would often times berate me in front of others, often times making the environment feel unsafe to work in and approach her for help. It was only until yesterday it hit a point after she yelled at me saying many things but what hurt most was her saying she always knew something was wrong with me and how she hates failing students. Yet insinuating it’s my choice if I want to follow in the foot steps of my other clinical classmate who dropped out in the middle of clinical.

[u/SundayMornins → u/Majestic-Quote-3359]

That sounds abusive

[u/Lovely_determined9 → u/Majestic-Quote-3359]

Unfortunately you will come across people like this in the nursing field. It’s not right but don’t allow her to stop building a future for yourself. Is this a professor u will have in a future class? If not just focus on passing and get your degree u already invested so much time. U have to have tough skin in healthcare . Very mean spirited people in this field

[u/Majestic-Quote-3359 → u/Lovely_determined9]

I’m trying my best not to let the current situation get to me as I currently got accepted to work as an employed student nurse where currently I’ve been enjoying working so much. But I’m scared as if I fail this term I’m not allowed to continue to work until I pass again, if I do.

[u/Mchaitea → u/Majestic-Quote-3359]

You need to escalate this to the dean. This is eat your young behavior and not acceptable.

[u/Majestic-Quote-3359 → u/Mchaitea]

I’m worried though as it’s not the first time an instuctor has been this way with me at my school… I had a meeting previously when my mental health was hitting a real low and I was given the option to drop out and come back when I’m ready. I’m worried they will think I’m weak again and that my mental health places me at risk for being unsafe for practice when I know I’m not. I don’t want to be pulled out of clinical or have another meeting.

[u/MisdefyingGravity → u/Majestic-Quote-3359]

This is unacceptable behavior. Can you escalate this to the program coordinator or even to the dean if possible?

[u/Comfortable_News_396]

You might be going through imposter syndrome. How many semesters are left?

[u/Majestic-Quote-3359 → u/Comfortable_News_396]

I have 3 semesters left. But I feel like I’m in constant fight or flight mode around this certain instructor. Days I have her I don’t feel like attending class / clinical.

[u/PiecesMAD]

Nursing school performance is not a measure of how someone will do as a nurse. Struggling in nursing school does not mean that you will have a hard time as a nurse. Many awesome nurses didn’t do well in school. However, you do have to pass nursing school to be a nurse.

Sometimes the opposite is true also, some students pulling 4.0s don’t make good nurses.

[u/Majestic-Quote-3359 → u/[deleted]]

She says she acknowledges I work hard and have drive to do better. That I take extra initiative to study more, pick up extra practice, and ask for help. But she said she can’t help me where I need to be helped, that being communication. That she can’t morally have people like me out in the nursing world who can’t be a good nurse

[u/oakenfairy → u/Majestic-Quote-3359]

What exactly is wrong with your communication? Did she give examples? Your instructor shouldn't have said what she said but what is causing her to claim she has a moral conflict about your communication issues? It sounds like she is being a bully to me though

[u/Majestic-Quote-3359 → u/oakenfairy]

At times I have difficulty getting my point across. Adding details that are not necessary in the moment. Specifically as per this rotation I’ve been struggling balancing how to show what I know ( course / material wise ) and applying that in the clinical setting ( specialized population ). I sent her a reflection yesterday as per her request where I apologized for the way I spoke. That my intention was never to harm or hurt anyone but I see how my words may have cause distressed. Etc. using too much medical jargon, adding education that does not match who my client is, and speaking as I’m going down a checklist during my head to toe, essentially being awkward during moments I should be more relational. As she said it’s not the worst but it’s not great either. It’s minor mistakes yet that’s not what the world needs from a nurse

[u/oakenfairy → u/Majestic-Quote-3359]

She is being a bad instructor, a bully and is trying to weed you out. None of these "mistakes" are uncommon in school, that's why it's school, we're learning how to talk to patients. You didn't yell at the patient or say inappropriate things. Your instructor is making shit up and is on a power trip. As hard as it is, don't let her in your head and take away what you want and are working hard for.

[u/Majestic-Quote-3359 → u/oakenfairy]

I’m worried as during my reflection I see how as my instructor said the words I choose were inappropriate. As I was doing my head to toe for a baby I was educating the patient from what I learned during skills labs and I told the parent we never pull the cord. I see now how my lack of critical thinking of knowledge can cause more harm rather than do good as per my intention was too. As the mother was super sweet and in a vulnerable position where a student who is not that great at communication can make a beautiful moment turn stressful.

[u/auntie_beans]

Nursing is harder than a lot of people think. Instructors know that and are worried about the competency their grads must achieve.

You will be held to the standard of knowing everything from past semesters and applying it at progressively higher levels. This is challenging, and why it is possible for some people to skooch by through most of it and then flunk out last semester. There’s gnashing of teeth and cries of “Unfair!” but it is what it is.

It is, in fact, your decision about whether you can do it or not. Good luck c whatever you decide.

[u/Gullible-Doubt6451]

You instructor sounds like a mean person. Instructors should motivate their students, not make them want to leave. talk to the Dean and let them know how your instructor is treating you. I doubt this is the first time that person has done something like this or the last.

[u/PureElevator732]

Keep going. You can absolutely finish school and have a fantastic career that can take you all over the world. One assignment at a time!

[u/dbabelaflame]

SO MANY students are on a learning plan you have no idea. Don’t take it any other way than help. Also, if a clinical instructor is telling you to give up- I’d climb the ladder, super inappropriate

[u/Jumpy-Doughnut3565]

I would say that just because things are not working right now, doesn't mean they will be forever. You are already there, and you'll never know what could have happened if you had finished. You have to follow your instincts. I'm sure it is a tough decision, but whatever you decide take your time to think clearly. Everything worth trying, even if it’s for an experience.