A word about group projects...

I know!

Many people don’t like group projects. Nursing students are no exception.

What is it about those two words that can throw us into a fit?

I have had my fair share of group projects and if I am completely being completely honest, I used to detest them. I didn’t understand why they were necessary or why my grade was dependent on someone else's work ethic. I knew I was a hard working individual who took learning seriously. But what about them? Did they know who important my education and career were to me? Are they fully invested in themselves or are they passing the time until they figure their life out?

On the other hand, there are some of us that thrive in group environments. They are able to see the best qualities in team members and can really see the full potential of the group. Oftentimes, group projects rely on us doing something uncomfortable: putting trust in another person’s abilities and being vulnerable.

As a healthcare professional I have come to understand the true purpose of group projects: working together.

So, how do you get through group projects as a student? By working together.

Working together requires everyone to be accountable. Accountability is the key to the group’s success.

What is accountability?

Taking responsibility for your actions and decisions.

Being reliable and trustworthy.

Owning up to your mistakes and learning from them.

Accountability helps to build trust with your peers while developing strong character and leadership skills.

Within a group it’s important to be accountable by:

Set clear goals: Use the SMART method (specific,measurable,achievable,realistic & timely) to know what you want to achieve and get the plan together.

Define roles: Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities from the start.

Be honest: Tell the truth, even when difficult. The truth is what you’ll remember.

Follow through: Do what you say you will do.

Reflect: Take a moment to think about your actions and how they affect others.

Seek feedback: Ask for and be open to constructive criticism.

Now, all this is wonderful, but what do you do when you feel like a team member isn’t being accountable?

Before walking out on the group and going straight to the professor, start here:

Communicate clearly: Be specific about what wasn’t completed. This should be a conversation with civility and kindness. You may be unaware of a challenge they are currently facing.

Be supportive: Offer help without completely removing their responsibility; they may be struggling with a specific task.

Involve the entire group: schedule a meeting to address the issue as a whole unit.

Seek guidance: If the situation doesn’t improve, seek advice from a mentor or another faculty.

Document: Keep a record of the efforts to resolve the issue in case you need to explain the events to your professor.

Stay engaged and positive: focus on solutions rather than assigning blame; some experiences are there to teach all of us how to handle difficult circumstances.

Remember group projects are about teamwork. Collaboration and supporting each other will help you develop valuable skills for your future endeavors. Success of the group and reaching group goals trickle on to individually. They also help you gain personal growth, improve relationships and enjoy the feeling of success and pride of your accomplishments.

It's worth the journey.