Northern Kentucky University

Date: Apr 18 2018
Major: Nursing (This Major's Salary over time)
Regardless of what nursing program you attend, you will find that most of the students believe they are rocket scientists for being accepted into the program, certainly happens at NKU. The instructors are no different in this way of thinking. In reality, the program does not consist of difficult material; it's nursing! If you have a good memory, can grasp the concept of basic science and basic math, then fret not; you will be fine. Especially with all the leniency, they allow to people once you make it into the third/ fourth semester. Also, many students will do the assigned work and pass it out to their friends, so no worries.

Some of the instructors are great, some seem to have untreated "emotional issues", some use their authority unfairly, and some don't think policies and regulations, especially for the students benefit are all that important. You will be told things that are not true or are inaccurate regarding things in the classroom and with regards to policies, etc., so always do your research.

Many of the students acted as if they had to develop the "mean girl" attitude to survive high school and then had to bring that high school mentality to college. Gossip, cattiness, attitudes such as "no, I'm first" or, " If I get to do it, then I am more important" were everywhere; just very childish and "lizard brain" thinking. There was always a "mother hen" of the various "groups", with her submissive little ducklings following behind. Group work was a joke. It was like all the girls would allow their "leader' to tell them everything they needed to do (they had no need to think), and if anyone else made a suggestion, the "evil eye" was given (nothing was allowed to be "fetch" if the leader didn't say so), regardless of how much better another idea or plan may have been (logic was not allowed). I guess this was the overall theme of the program and seems to be the theme of nursing in general. Understanding one's place in a hierarchy of student/teacher or employee/boss is one thing, but nursing takes it to another level. You will be submissive.

The system of nursing needs to change in general, not just within NKU's program. Most nurses, from my clinical experiences, seem to be catty and very judgemental. Research even supports this as a career wide issue. So if this is your cup of tea, go for it, but otherwise, find another career; one where true talent can shine, or join the system to change it. For most, nursing is for those who are too scared to chase dreams, or their dreams fell through. After what I have witnessed, I will be finding a different career.