hi guys,
im interested to know peoples thoughts on the various B.Nsg courses in Melbourne (just the plain old 3 yr degrees). In particular RMIT Bundoora, Latrobe, ACU, VU. I know all uni's can be disorganised and painful at times, but in general what do people think about the courses they have done/ are currently doing / or have heard about? im particularly interested in the issues around the science based subjects.
I began a B.Nsg in 1998 and had to withdraw for personal reasons. my biggest complaint probably would be that i really stuggled with some of the science stuff ie chemistry, and physics. and alongside the personal issues i was dealing with it all became too much, i could feel it all spiralling out of control and so made the decision to leave. i dont regret leaving because i ended up getting a job as a flight attendant and it worked out well for me. but at the same time i feel it was a pity that i felt i had to leave. i really felt like you were just kind of left to your own devices... basically attend huge lectures with over 150 students, (with a pace that seemed to be taught at the speed of light!!) and then get on with it yourself.........no smaller sized tute classes etc that would allow for questions or extra help. whereas at least in Anatomy & Physiology there were labs where you could try and ask questions.
Im well aware that Uni is self directed adult learning and there is no spoon feeding etc, etc, blah, blah blah...but i always just felt that if they wanted to encourage people to stick with the course who might be struggling, then surely more help could be offered for those who can happily admit they might need it? and i dont mean in the form of some kind of 'science for dummies' workshops. i mean proper structured weekly tutorial groups throughout the semester, smaller groups where you can re-trace what went on in lectures. i mean many of my fellow students managed to pass these subjects, but only just barely. i myself passed my physics exam- but honestly was so shocked to have passed that i felt they must have made a mistake!
obviously the science subjects are extremely important in the degree, but so are many of the other more 'humanity' type subjects- so while i was doing very well in ALL other subjects and also in my clinicals, the science stuff was my downfall (again coupled with the pressure of personal issues).
it makes me wonder how many people dont finish nursing degrees because they struggle with the science stuff? people that might otherwise make great nurses in a time where we desperately need more. again, i know you must be able to pass the science stuff, but nursing is more than just science- alot more. my mum is a nurse, my best friend also, and i now work in the health industry myself and deal with nurses on a daily business. and my personal experience, and my experience in my job dealing daily with complaints about nurse performances, bad attitudes, various other personality issues etc only highlights my point even more. just because someone can pass an exam doesnt mean they make a good nurse, and just because someone struggles with the science stuff doesnt mean they wont make a good nurse- the equation just isnt that simple.
Is anyone able to say that the science subjects arent /werent their strongest subjects, but that their Uni was a great support? offered extra help? anything along those lines???
any other thoughts or opinions on this?
Cheers,
Jules
