help! advice please

[sherrob]

I had completed two semesters of an ADN program. I had to withdraw in the third with the understanding that re-entering wouln't be a problem. The instructor from that semester rode me to death and was very "demeaning" I had the feeling she would make re-entry a problem(to make it short). I had to do a video tape of clinical skills that in the view of her and the board were not "perfect"(she is on the board) very minor, stupid things! Any way, I was informed I could try to re-do the video again for this Winter. I was rejected on two previous tape submissions. To make a long story short, now, not only are they saying I have to do the video but have to get recommedation from a nursing councelor about "interpersonal communication" plus two other appointments to do before they will say yes or no. I had some words with the director of the nursing program about how rediculous their expectations were at the previous denial about the video skills and their "nit picking" but I still had the nerve to request re-entry this time and this is what they are insisting I do. I only have two semesters left, that is why I am asking again. I know though, it is a lost cause after telling them what I thought of there re-admission assessment of my previous attempts. Has anyone else had problems and does anyone have any alterior suggestions I can do about the actions they have been taking?

[sjoe]

"...very minor, stupid things! ...have to get recommedation from a nursing councelor about "interpersonal communication" plus two other appointments to do before they will say yes or no. I had some words with the director of the nursing program about how rediculous their expectations were at the previous denial about the video skills and their "nit picking" ...after telling them what I thought of there re-admission assessment of my previous attempts."

Clue phone--get an attitude adjustment! Your "entitlement" point of view is out of line. You don't run this school, nor any other, and for good reason--you are not qualified to do so. The school did not solicit your input on school/admissions policies for an equally good reason--they don't WANT it.

If you want to attend this, or any school, you pretty much have to work within its framework. If you don't choose to do so, you are choosing to NOT attend that school.

The very same thing holds true for most job environments as well, be advised.

[unknown99, BSN, RN]

I do not know what those "tiny, nit-picky" things were that flunked you, but those tiny things could mean the world of difference in patient care.

When giving good patient care, it may be the tiny things that make all the difference!!!

[sherrob]

I guess this is not a very good discussion "without all of the information" There is way more to the story than I even told! I was asking for advice, not ridicule and I dont have an attitude problem or think I am entitled to any more than I deserve. With that said, I wanted advice on what to do if I felt, with knowing how everything has occurred and facts, anyone I can go to with the "facts" of being "unfairly" and to extreme of judgment. I was denied over things such as not appearing confident to a maniken during a procedure, told I went over a sterile field with the betadine cottonballs while putting them in a biohazard bag at the end of the bed during prep for foley cathetor insertion in which it clearly showed I was to the side not over the field, etc, etc, in other words there word against mine. If you would like to know every little detail to "give advice" I would be more than glad to take the time of starting with the beginning of this mess. I did do everything they required, twice! Both denied do to these opinions, as I said, I dont want your opinion about what you think my charactor is, I want to know what steps I can do if I have reason to believe I am being unfairly judged.

[unknown99, BSN, RN]

It seems that those things were trivial. No, that should not be enough to flunk you!! Something is not right. Does that instructor have a "problem" with you for some unknown reason? Maybe there is someone you can go to at the school that will help you?

If so, then tell them that you do not want that particular instructor evaluating your work, that you do not want her sitting for the review of your next tape. You do have the right to that.

GOODLUCK!!! And let us know what happens.

[llg, PhD, RN]

As someone who has seen (and been through) these types of situations from multiple perspectives -- as a struggling student, a student member of a school's appeals committee, a faculty member, and a hospital staff development instructor -- here is what I think you need to do if you want to graduate from this program.

1. Get a good description of what they want you to do ... that includes the requirements for the videotape, the communication skills, etc. ... You are going to have to get EVERYTHING right, so don't take chances by not knowing for sure what they want.

2. Find out (if possibile) who will be reviewing the tape etc. and making the decision. Make sure you are prepared to do whatever they want you to do. If you feel the people evaluating the tape, etc. are not the right people, request the addition of some people you would be more comfortable with. That's no unreasonable to ask -- but be sure you ask politely and not rebelliously. And don't criticise anybody or ask that they be removed, just ask for additional reviewers (whose positive opinions of you might sway the negative.)

3. Practice, practice, practice what skills you need to work on.

4. Make an exceptionally good videotape and submit excellent examples of whatever else they would like. This is no time to be average. You already have 2 strikes against you. You need to be excellent now, not just OK.

5. Control your behavior and what you say. You may feel angry. You may feel that none of this is your fault. etc. etc. etc. However, now is not the time to show it. You will need to be humble and accepting of their efforts to teach you new ways of doing things and new ways of interacting with people in authority. Their motivation (like it or not) is that they are trying to teach you things they think are important. You need to demostrate that you respect their right as teachers to set the standards, etc. and that you want to learn what they want to teach.

They also do not one of their graduates to "mouth off" to a future employer about how she hates their orientation program, doesn't like the way they run the hospital, etc. That will make their school look bad. They see your complaints about their program as indicative of the way you handle things that don't go your way ... a coping method you may repeat in the future as an RN. So ... you need to show them that complaining and attacking is NOT how you handle things that don't go your way. You can take correction and discipline from a supervisor constuctively, etc. So, be careful in all your interactions to demonstrate your willingness/ability to learn and grow and change. That's what they will be looking for most.

Good luck,

llg

[sherrob]

Thank you for your thoughts and helpful advice. I really am seeking any advice I can at this point. I honestly had done, I thought, my best at the previous tapings and only showed criticism and frustration after I felt I had no idea what was going on and why these attempts were denied and the reasons that were given in the end made me feel that no matter what mannor I presented these skills, it could be something that I really wouldn't think should be criticized. That is where my frustration lyes. Needless to say, at this point I am scared and heartbroken at how this whole thing has unfolded and need any one with an ear to just give any advice I may not have thought about to help me. Thank you very much:)