On a global level group work has an important goal within
the nursing community. We have a bunch
of individuals to lean on when things get tough. We understand how our co-workers tick and how
they respond to different situations.
Most importantly, we learn how to come to resolutions together to help
benefit the patient. I understand
why/how group work is so important on the job.
However, I absolutely have had enough group work to last me
many years within just the short amount of time this semester has been going
thus far.
AggHHH I hate GROUP WORK!
We have three classes where we’re paired up into groups of 4-5 for each
class. Then we have two clinical days
per week where we’re paired into groups of 4 to do assignments on those days
too. My calendar is so full (no kidding)
that I have meetings with these massive different groups almost all 5 days of
the week. Some are before class or
during break within class time, or after class.
I’m so overwhelmed I can’t think straight.
What’s even more frustrating is the range of personalities
to work with, from having to deal with some members who are total micro-managing
type A sort of people. To working with
others who don’t have a voice, would rather not do any work, and basically you’re
holding their hand through it all.
All in all, I’ve been learning how to hold my tongue, and
show respect for others. I knew how to
do that before I started college, but my craft has been fine-tuned this
semester.
I look forward to next
semester when things get a little less hairy, and I can focus on applying for
nursing jobs.
Group work in college can be counter productive and definitely isn't the same as teamwork. I couldn't survive a shift without teamwork. Group work? Well, that makes me want to pull my hair out. I just had to write a paper for my graduate class with a partner living almost 2000 miles away. Luckily, she has her act together. Most of the time, it's not that easy.
ReplyDeleteI conquer! I also include group studying with this. I do not like to study with other people. I will review with people but sometimes they just confuse me more or totally make me doubt what I studied and usually in the end they over studied.
ReplyDeleteGood intentions, but tedious. In the real nursing world, collaboration with the healthcare providers, physical therapist, etc. establishes you (me) as an advanced practice nurse. Keep breathing . . . in, out, in . . .
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ReplyDeleteoh I can totally relate. I too am tired of the school work projects. I understand the need for being able to get along with others and to know who has what strengths...but in the school realm I like to do my own thing (especially test studying - others just confuse me more!) But in the real working world you have to know how to work as a team. I can not do it all myself - especially a crash C/section or a code.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be stuck with the same group at school though...every time I try to suggest a switch or work with someone else this one student says, "What, you don't like me any more" and she is serious!
Just know that this too shall pass and hopefully you'll be able to look back on your school time with a smile or a sigh~
Debbie
Julie – I’m glad you were able to make things work for your project and partner being so far away. I don’t know how you did it, but I’m glad she was able to have her act together. Group work is a stinker!
ReplyDeleteChristine – Your pictures on your blog look fabulous! I’m proud of how much weight you’ve lost such an inspiration to others. I hear you, there is only one person in my class I choose to study with, and that’s only for selected amounts of time. I have a family and other commitments and my time is short to be sitting and studying for multiple hours which just aren’t possible.
Debbie – Breathing in, out, in, out…cough cough choke from sudden onset of tears… in, out, in, out :-)
Babyrndeb – See you know what I mean, of course I think it’s necessary to work together on the unit especially in trauma situations or just asking questions with my novice RN status post-graduation. But trying to get along with others for the sake of a paper and listening to the same person week after week whine about the same thing is soo annoying/tiring.
I don’t know what I’d do if I had a partner had said that to me. You keep up the good work and eventually it’ll be over.
Thanks ladies for your encouraging words.