Write the paper or change the flight?

[Lovelymo79]

Hi everyone!

I will be graduating in 36 days! But, first, I have to take this Leadership course (kinda like a preceptorship with 1 class a week) until June 9th (graduation is June 15th). I'm one of the extremely blessed (not lucky) ones who was able to score a new grad internship in the ICU. It's in Texas and I'm coming from NJ. Before I start on June 20th (yes, literally 5 days after graduation!), I need to be cleared for a physical, turn in some paperwork, etc. there in Texas.

So, I got a flight for Saturday - Monday. But, on Monday, I would miss my Leadership class. Now, we only have 4 classes so class is kinda mandatory. If you miss a class, you have to write a research paper. That's all fine and good bc I was an English major in my previous life. However, my instructor said the paper has to be single-spaced! I promptly sent her both the APA and MLA Guidelines which clearly state that papers must be double-spaced. Also, any paper that we've written before have always been double-spaced. I'm also trying to meet with her today to see if I could ge the paper started and possibly turn it in way before the end of Leadership.

Now this instructor "Ms. Brown" has had trouble with our class..major trouble in which she had to be reprimanded...and I don't necessarily trust her. BUT, if I change my flight, I would go down literally on a Friday (after the course is over)..come back on Saturday...graduate on Wednesday and go back down for good on Thursday/Friday. I also will be out of $180..which could go towards a lot of things. But, I wouldn't have to worry about Ms. Brown at all.

If you were in this situation...what would you do? Write the paper and hope she gives you no problems or dole out the cash for a quick trip down and back?

[Music in My Heart]

For me it would be an easy decision. Fly down, do the physical, and be back in time for the class, graduate, and then go begin your professional life.

The $180 is insignificant in light of your first job - and is pretty cheap insurance to help you sleep and not put your graduation at risk.

Really, it seems like a no-brainer to me.

[Lovelymo79]

You mean, after the class is over. The $180 is after the class is over (the day after, that Friday). The flight I have now (returning on a Monday), I wouldn't be back in time for the class..which is why I would be missing it.

$180 may be insignificant to you but I don't get my first paycheck from my first job until the end of June. The expenses I have now..coupled with the money to pay for signing up for the NCLEX and the separate application fees..as well as other expenses..it is pretty significant. I can use that $180 for a good bill. I'm actually on craigslist now to see what I can sell in order to make that $180.

But, I understand what you're saying. Thanks!

[caliotter3]

You don't trust her? She was in trouble? I would avoid any dealings with that woman as if she could be the end of your nursing school career. For all you know, she could be the end of your nursing school career, or at least a serious glitch. We had a bundle of negativity like that at our school. Don't give her a chance to fail you. That is my advice.

[Music in My Heart]

That (Caliotter's) was my point: Sure, $180 is nothing to sneeze at but when you're looking at the possibility of failing the class and then not graduating on time and then not getting your ICU slot, $180 is chump change.

Beg, borrow, steal (well, beg/borrow, anyway)... but find the cash, get yourself to Texas as required, and then back to your class.

Alternatively, speak to the HR folks at your new employer and explain the situation and see if your physical, etc can be postponed by a couple of days. It's quite likely that they can work with you.

I'm with Caliotter... don't give that teacher the chance to screw up your career.

[Lovelymo79]

I have to be cleared by the Wednesday before I start working. The Wednesday before is the day I graduate. So, while they were able to change the date to the Friday (given the chance of changing the flight), I can't do it much later than that in order to start on time.

Yeah..I understand what you guys are saying. I want to still meet with her and see if I could do the paper this week, turn it in next week and still have plenty of time to adjust the paper if need be way before June 9th.

I have until Friday to decide. I get paid then. I've begged and borrowed enough these past 2 years. I'll work it out somehow.

Thanks!

[Lovelymo79]

Yeah so..it looks like I'll be writing that paper. The flight difference went up from $30 two days ago to $500 today! I was near tears. So, I'm going in on Monday to talk to her about the paper. I'm also letting my advisor know (some of the instructors already know) as well as the Dean. I want to get the article on Monday and hopefully turn it in the next Monday.