I genuinely don’t understand why so many nurses hate nursing students.
I’ve had a couple students with me now, and it always feels like an honor. I love asking what their plans are and being able to give them insight on different specialties, especially if they’re still trying to figure out what path fits them best. I share the tips and tricks I’ve picked up so far in hopes it helps them later. I love explaining what I’m doing and why I’m doing it, because understanding the “why” is what makes the whole process click, along with repetition.
I’m not into pushing anyone harder than they’re willing to push themselves. I’ve had students who just want to sit at the computer or stand back and observe, and that’s their choice. But for the ones who want to challenge themselves, I keep them right next to me—looking things up together in the chart, talking through the plan, and doing direct patient care side by side.
There’s just no reason to be mean to people who are trying to learn. Now that I’m on the other side, I can’t find a justification for hazing. You don’t need to be so hard on someone that they end up in tears or ready to give up just to teach them how to be a nurse. If we want good nurses, we have to act like we actually want them to make it.