There are so many differences! I believe that the "biggest" difference is that new students have to learn the culture of professional nursing, and develop HABEs that will support success in their nursing education. The experienced students are at the program end because they have developed the HABEs that promoted success as a student. Their challenge is to begin to transition those HABEs to their role as a novice nurse. We use a lot of case studies and critical thinking questions to help them visualize this transition. We pay a lot of attention to emotional intelligence, as well.
James,
Nice post. Thanks. What are some specific things you do to help the students who do not already have the "correct" HABEs to develop them?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Maggie,
Thank you for this post. What would you say is the biggest difference between experienced and new students relative to how you interact with them?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Their vision/goals are more real to them then the unsuccessful students. As a result they are more likely to seek help, explore more cretive ways to overcome barriers to success (study groups, carpools, using campus coaching resources).
Absolutely! They have a very specific task-list to help them prepare them for the predictor they must pass in order to graduate. Some are fearful of not passing that (and missing out on their "dream"). The ultimate task is to keep them positive with a belief that they can succeed while motivating them and monitoring their progress. Having worked both with new start students and end of program students, I think the challenges are similar, in many ways. Both are under a lot of pressure!
Maggie,
Typically, students who are in their last term do not need much in terms of motivation or direction. Are there specific challenges that they students present that one may not find in a group of brand new students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have seniors in their 6th and final term of a rigorous nursing program. They have made it this far by utilizing time management, positive study habits and consistency with course work and attendance. At the beginning of the term I provide each student with a "carrot" ornament to hang from their car visor. I encourage them to persist with positive self-talk, a belief in their ability to finish, and to "keep their eyes on the prize" of a successful nursing career.
Gordon,
What are some ways you inspire students to develop more effective HABEs?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I'm surprized and shocked that 85% of one's HABEs are shaped by age 3 and solidified by age 5.
My successful students have a positive attitude and belive they can succeed. They have good study habits.They know they will be successful. They embrace the HABEs.
Many of our students that are most successful have strong support groups behind them. Their habits may not always be the best, but they are focused and committed. Their attitudes are most often ones lined with positivity and perseverance. A "can-do" attitude, if you will. Their beliefs are often similar to and contribute to their attitudes in where they believe they will succeed, come hell or high water. Expectations for our most successful students include a requirement of effort. They expect to have to study, sacrifice, make choices, commit to an education and being a full-time student for a period of time. Our most successful students are all in, communicate withe the school, and allow themselves to find a support group in faculty and staff, as well as those surrounding them outside of the campus.
Successful students have drive, motivation and a vision. They have the ability to be future oriented. Students that are not successful often have a lack of motivation or vision. Many people focus on the now and are unable to think about 10 years down the road. I believe that is a major difference between successful and unsuccessful students.
Esperanza,
People often react poorly when they feel they are being criticized. Finding ways to point out areas for improvement while helping students maintain self esteem is a key to building lasting relationships that lead to graduation. We used to look for ways to catch even the poorest students "doing something right."
Jeffrey Schillinger
I just finished a training course about student retention that emphasized using the positive to criticize.
Many students expect harsh criticisms when they make mistakes or ask "stupid questions". When they are praised, especially in front of their peers for insightful questions, promptness in submitting assignments, or even just being in class on time, they aspire to live up to your praise.
Human nature is such that we crave acceptance and praise from others, even when we don't realize it.
Many of my successful students come from families that are supportive and successful in their own ways. These students have an open attitude about learning new things and are willing to try new experiences. They look at a glass "half full" instead of half empty" and are willing to see mistakes as learning experiences and not setbacks.
These students believe they are going to be in school to learn and graduate and have a better life, so their expectations are all geared toward achieving their goal of graduating and successfully completing their program.
Shanika,
Thanks for sharing. What are some specific things you do to try to build better HABEs in the students who come to you with less functional HABEs?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Some of the HABEs that I see in my most successful students are attentiveness, class participation, and timeliness. I have noticed that the less successful students tend to be off task more than others and frequently tardy or absent.
Elisa,
Some might say that adopting a negative attitude is a selected HABE that can be changed. How might one do that?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I can't believe that most HABE's have set in by age 5!
My best students turn in their homework on time, if not early. They come early to class and will often stay late to get in extra study time with me. The students that have these good habits are the ones who will score higher on their tests than those that do not.
I feel it is easier to help those students with bad habits than it is to help those with "negative attitudes."
Allison,
Thanks for this post. Perhaps the faculty should get together with the Enrollment team to ensure the campus' orientation program paints a more clear picture.
Jeffrey Schillinger
It is always amazing to me how unprepared so many students are when they start our program. The students are so surprised at the amount of time which is required to study to succeed. Many step up to the challenge and then there are others who have the HABE’s which are not so positive who need more support to keep it going to the end.
