Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
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I teach nursing students the care of terminal patients at a community college because I was a hospital chaplain in the field for 10 years. Usually it's really rewarding and manageable even with PTSD.
I teach 2 morning classes back to back. The first one went very well today. In the 2nd one, though, 3 young women who have sat together since the semester started talked loudly to each other while I was presenting a paper point on screen. It got to where I couldn't hear myself, and I asked for them to stop. They didn't.
After class, I asked them to my office to explain why I needed turn taking when it came to speaking in class, and for them to ask me questions raising their hands. Basic classroom stuff. I asked them about their future plans for careers after school, where they came from, what year they were in. Just tried to show I cared about them, and asked them to care about what I need in class.
They laughed in my face, literally, yawning and egging each other on to mock me right there in my office. It wasn't just something to make me angry, it was just so sad. I'm 56 years old now, I've got PTSD, and I wonder if I should keep on teaching or give it up.
I have a night class to go teach on the same subject right now, and I'm frankly afraid to go. This experience has my PTSD really going, and I don't have a lot of self-confidence for standing up in front of a group of people after today's experience with these students. I'm just really tired of making the extra effort, I suppose.
How to recover from disrespect? Suggestions requested, please. Thanks.
I teach 2 morning classes back to back. The first one went very well today. In the 2nd one, though, 3 young women who have sat together since the semester started talked loudly to each other while I was presenting a paper point on screen. It got to where I couldn't hear myself, and I asked for them to stop. They didn't.
After class, I asked them to my office to explain why I needed turn taking when it came to speaking in class, and for them to ask me questions raising their hands. Basic classroom stuff. I asked them about their future plans for careers after school, where they came from, what year they were in. Just tried to show I cared about them, and asked them to care about what I need in class.
They laughed in my face, literally, yawning and egging each other on to mock me right there in my office. It wasn't just something to make me angry, it was just so sad. I'm 56 years old now, I've got PTSD, and I wonder if I should keep on teaching or give it up.
I have a night class to go teach on the same subject right now, and I'm frankly afraid to go. This experience has my PTSD really going, and I don't have a lot of self-confidence for standing up in front of a group of people after today's experience with these students. I'm just really tired of making the extra effort, I suppose.
How to recover from disrespect? Suggestions requested, please. Thanks.
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Which explains the mysterious fevers and my extra fatigue. I'm so glad I pushed for answers.
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Due to my increased paranoia, anxiety, and a panic attack over the weekend, my psychiatrist has put me back in a full dose of Zyprexa until further notice. Every time I think I'm getting ahead something happens and it's back to square one. I knew he was gonna do this but I can't help feeling disappointed. It is what it is.
Idiots on their own. Brave in little groups. You know I understand how that works.
I just hope that you'll be able to breathe, reflect, release, and regroup in time for this evening's class. As you know, it reflects HORRIBLY on them, and not at ALL on you.
Idiots ... will just be idiots.
As for getting over it...
I consider the source. That was straight up rude and disrespectful, and not in your accountability range. You teach death and dying, not etiquette. Don't take responsibility for other people's lack of manners, nor start passing the expectation of bad manners on to other folks. Three rude and crude women committed this act of self-centered immaturity. No one else.
Then it's up to them whether on not they succeed... I would also let the director know what's going on if this is an ongoing problem
I would also have them sit at the front of the room and apart from one another
The is just BS that you should not endure my friend... and I wouldn't... These are young adults that are embarking on a career of caring for those that are very vulnerable... It sounds like they are lacking maturity... Big hug muji... I wouldn't take this personally... This isn't about you... They are behaving badly... xo
It sounds like a bit of a 'gang mentality' going on
Nursing is about how you treat others and this type of behaviour is scary for the future
Nip it in the bud muji... I know it's not pleasant but I know you can do this and you'll be helping these girls in regards to not enable bad behaviour
Being sarcastic, but I am totally not kidding.
i'm horrified that people capable of such gratuitous cruelty are going to eventually be loosed on vulnerable patients.
I do think you should report this to your director, even ask that person to sit in on your next class. If legal in your state, you could start videotaping the classroom.
Is there not a student code of induct that says students can be ejected for disruptive behavior? If so, just videotape, have campus security on alert and nearby during that particular class, and eject them once you have good evidence they are being disruptive.
( how you can tell I'm an old fart...)
I think everyone here has very good suggestions and they sound as upset as myself with this happening to you. It seems to me they are not taking the class seriously and have no reason to be involved with anything involved with the terminally ill classes or the health field if they cannot respect you, it sounds they have not only zero respect but zero empathy.
I also think it would be wise to separate them. Reserve your extra effort for those who appreciate, want and need it including yourself
Huge comforting hugs..
Gentle hugs and we're here for you:-)
That's never happened before in the four years I've been teaching at this community college. It happened on the same day when the young women behaved rudely as they did in the morning class I described in the post that began this thread.
I am at a loss as to this day, from morning to night. Frankly, I ask for your understanding if now I wonder if might be time for me to consider another line of work. It will be hard to recover again, and get up and go teach tomorrow with self confident motivation after today.
Sorting and sifting...
As for the way you *feel* I totally understand.
I had students -- 13 year olds at that! -- bully me into a nervous wreck. When I went to administration, I wound up getting a bad review for poor classroom management.
I've thought about not teaching. I've been triggered. I've almost had a breakdown/identity crisis over it.
Know what? F*ck them. Don't let little sh*ts make minced meat out of your profession. Remember all the hugs you got. Remember the great students. You are a great teacher and human being.
Do you really want to let a bunch of tw*ts mess with your future pension?
You know me and I rarely take this tone. But this sets me over the edge. I'm your momma bear when it comes to this! : )
The last occupation that this young woman should have is in nursing... I would talk to the director about what's been going on with this group and nip it in the bud... They can participate in the class like young adults or not come then the choice is up to them... at least that's the choice I would give them... They decide their future... They're immature and have little regard for hurting others.. I don't think people like this should be in a nursing program....People that like to abuse and are in a position of power can do a lot of damage
I'm hugging you my friend and I'm so sorry that you've been hurt...xo
I am truly sorry you had to experience this but you have to ask yourself if 3 idiots are worth you giving up teaching. Many students have come to you for advise and shared stories with you. You have had so many excellent experiences.
As for those students, I think a talk with the program coordinator is in order. If they continue to be disruptive, ask them to leave the room as they are being disruptive to the other students that are there to learn. Unfortunately they have challenged you and you need to make an example of them so others in the class do not think they can get away with this behavior. You did the right thing talking with them in private, perhaps one on one might have given you a chance rather than 3 on 1. You got this, you are in control of your room. I remember you saying once that you have confidence when you are teaching, that you can be a wreck, but as soon as you enter the class room you are not. The classroom is a place you draw strength from, so you will know what to do. I think they caught you by surprise.
((((Big Hugs)))))