Does this make me a CHEATER???

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Specializes in NICU/L&D, Hospice.

So, I am a first semester student, which is over in one month. I have a friend that I met in the hospital where we volunteer at. We met while we were waiting on acceptance letters. We get along fantastic. We decided to enroll in the same classes. There are a few reasons for this. 1. We live 30 miles away from the college and can carpool. 2. It is nice to have someone to throw ideas and incouragement to. 3. Someone to keep you forging on. Funny thing is we don't study together, except to watch outdated videos. We are both the type that do better on our own.

In lecture, we have long, connected tables. There are 9 seats in each row, 4 rows deep. My friend and I sit up front (I always do), at the end. I am a creature of habit. I get there early so I can have the same seat. I am easily distracted, especially if I have to sit in the back row.

The last test with this instructor, she pulled up a chair against the wall, right next to our row. My friend and I felt a little intimidated, but hey..still got my A. :lol2: Then yesterday, our new Dean of Nursing came to meet us and tell us that it has come to their attention that there is cheating going on. Mainly from the earlier classes telling the later classes what is on the test. Well, I don't know who is in the 8am class, nor in the 2pm class. I am in the middle.

So, today we have a test. I wouldn't even really talk to my friend this morning (we don't carpool on Weds, since she has micro and stays at the college). I was zoned in on the test and didn't want to break my concentration. I went to the classroom alone. She got there and took her usual seat next to me. The instructor immediately starts by telling everyone that they need to remove their hats today. All backpacks and purses are to be closed (of course), no water bottles....you know...all the normal stuff...(except for the hat thing). Then she says that she is going to move a "few" of us to different seats for the test. I whispered to my friend, "gee, let me think", she agreed. So, 1st to get moved was this spunky girl behind me, then...ME. I was to move to my least favorite place...the back row. At least I was on the end. I was really afraid of bombing my test from being moved (out of my element...like I said earlier). I said quite a long prayer before the test to keep my concentration in line and keep my mind clear. Then she moved about 3 more people. So, move 5 out of a class of 35? What does that tell everyone?? If I hadn't moved, I would certainly believe that the teacher believed they may be cheating. The more I think about this, the angrier I get. I am NOT a cheater. Haven't cheated on a test my entire college career. I have pulled straight A's. I have studied hard. Just ask my family:lol2: .

Well, during the test, she came and stood next to me almost the whole time. When she wasn't standing next to me, she was standing next to my friend. (We were both on the end of the row, same side of the room, and a large room for an instructor not to be mosying around...all around!) Her and I do not score the same, she is actually a letter grade behind me, enough to not think we were cheating off each other. We don't miss the same questions either. We are given rotating tests, like she has version A, I have B, next one has A, etc.

I am just beside myself. Do I have to be getting a C in nursing school to not be a cheating suspect?

There was definately a better way to of handled this situation. Move almost everyone. That way 5 people aren't singled out.

I want to email her (very professionally). But I refuse until after my final grade is posted. I am sooooooooooo close to getting an A, and I've worked too hard to get this far to let my anger take over. What would you do? I dont like when my integrity is shot down infront of all my classmates, some who know me well, others who I never interact will because it's our only class together---right now.

I would love to hear from some of the NS instructors from this board. Why would you only pick a select number to move before a test...honestly?

Thanks for listening to my rant. Most people say doing this makes them feel better, but that isn't the case here. Integrity can take you far, or lack of it can bring you down fast. I have it, but do they know it?

Best part is that I think I aced the test, but is that really a good thing???:nono: That isn't allowed in our school I guess.

Woogy

So, I am a first semester student, which is over in one month. I have a friend that I met in the hospital where we volunteer at. We met while we were waiting on acceptance letters. We get along fantastic. We decided to enroll in the same classes. There are a few reasons for this. 1. We live 30 miles away from the college and can carpool. 2. It is nice to have someone to throw ideas and incouragement to. 3. Someone to keep you forging on. Funny thing is we don't study together, except to watch outdated videos. We are both the type that do better on our own.

In lecture, we have long, connected tables. There are 9 seats in each row, 4 rows deep. My friend and I sit up front (I always do), at the end. I am a creature of habit. I get there early so I can have the same seat. I am easily distracted, especially if I have to sit in the back row.

The last test with this instructor, she pulled up a chair against the wall, right next to our row. My friend and I felt a little intimidated, but hey..still got my A. :lol2: Then yesterday, our new Dean of Nursing came to meet us and tell us that it has come to their attention that there is cheating going on. Mainly from the earlier classes telling the later classes what is on the test. Well, I don't know who is in the 8am class, nor in the 2pm class. I am in the middle.

So, today we have a test. I wouldn't even really talk to my friend this morning (we don't carpool on Weds, since she has micro and stays at the college). I was zoned in on the test and didn't want to break my concentration. I went to the classroom alone. She got there and took her usual seat next to me. The instructor immediately starts by telling everyone that they need to remove their hats today. All backpacks and purses are to be closed (of course), no water bottles....you know...all the normal stuff...(except for the hat thing). Then she says that she is going to move a "few" of us to different seats for the test. I whispered to my friend, "gee, let me think", she agreed. So, 1st to get moved was this spunky girl behind me, then...ME. I was to move to my least favorite place...the back row. At least I was on the end. I was really afraid of bombing my test from being moved (out of my element...like I said earlier). I said quite a long prayer before the test to keep my concentration in line and keep my mind clear. Then she moved about 3 more people. So, move 5 out of a class of 35? What does that tell everyone?? If I hadn't moved, I would certainly believe that the teacher believed they may be cheating. The more I think about this, the angrier I get. I am NOT a cheater. Haven't cheated on a test my entire college career. I have pulled straight A's. I have studied hard. Just ask my family:lol2: .

Well, during the test, she came and stood next to me almost the whole time. When she wasn't standing next to me, she was standing next to my friend. (We were both on the end of the row, same side of the room, and a large room for an instructor not to be mosying around...all around!) Her and I do not score the same, she is actually a letter grade behind me, enough to not think we were cheating off each other. We don't miss the same questions either. We are given rotating tests, like she has version A, I have B, next one has A, etc.

I am just beside myself. Do I have to be getting a C in nursing school to not be a cheating suspect?

There was definately a better way to of handled this situation. Move almost everyone. That way 5 people aren't singled out.

I want to email her (very professionally). But I refuse until after my final grade is posted. I am sooooooooooo close to getting an A, and I've worked too hard to get this far to let my anger take over. What would you do? I dont like when my integrity is shot down infront of all my classmates, some who know me well, others who I never interact will because it's our only class together---right now.

I would love to hear from some of the NS instructors from this board. Why would you only pick a select number to move before a test...honestly?

Thanks for listening to my rant. Most people say doing this makes them feel better, but that isn't the case here. Integrity can take you far, or lack of it can bring you down fast. I have it, but do they know it?

Best part is that I think I aced the test, but is that really a good thing???:nono: That isn't allowed in our school I guess.

Woogy

Ok, I'm not a nursing instructor, just a lowly student....but....I wouldn't rock this boat. No matter how cheated you feel, no matter how politely you feel you put your email, this can only end badly. In my nursing class, we have to move to every other seat, remove all hats, water, bottles etc. And yes, the instructors stand right next to me and watch the entire test. You know why? Not because they think I'm cheating, but because I've been pulling down the only A in the class, and they're worried others are cheating off of me. So, maybe the reason you got moved has absolutely nothing to do with you. I would let this go; confrontation with instructors in nursing school doesn't go well. Play the game, play the game, and play the game.
Specializes in NICU/L&D, Hospice.

The email wouldn't be confrontational, just asking if she is concerned that I am cheating and why she only moved a few students, which singles them out. I would never rock the boat. I know to play the game. I just don't feel she went about it the right way. If we had to do that every class, that would be fine, but to pick today only, after a long talk to our class from the Dean about cheaters in our class. I never looked at it as her protecting my paper. But, I sit in the 2nd seat from the end, and usually no one sits next to me. No one was next to me today and she had me move to the back of the room. If she would have moved me over one seat, me and my friend would have had the same test.

Thanks for your insight! I probably never will write an email, I'm just angry and embarrased.

Specializes in Peds - playing with the kids.

hi there,

i was thinking the same thing as jkcmom, maybe because you are doing so well, the they think others are cheating off of you.

i also wouldn't email. get through the class and see what happens then.

i know that this must be very distressing to you, but try to hang in there.

hugs to you!!!:icon_hug:

Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

I understand how it is that you feel that you have been singled out in some way, but I see your situation differently. I see the instructor as splitting up the back row. The cheaters like to sit toward the back because they think it easier to hide what they are doing. It's also easier for the instructor to watch the students when they are standing at the back of the room. Lots of instructors do this. If any of the cheaters try to find the instructor and turn around to look for them it singles them out right away. It's quite possible that the view of the students she might have been watching was better from a vantage point near where you were sitting. I wouldn't say anything to the instructor except to ask that if she moves you again that she please give you an end seat and why. I doubt very much that she thought you were cheating. Even if she did, you know you weren't so you have nothing to worry about, right? If you are not the problem cheater (which is probably unlikely), speaking up is only going to make you another difficulty for the instructor who is trying to keep things fair for everyone.

Specializes in OR Internship starting in Jan!!.

Yeah, I wouldn't send the email. I just had something similar happen and I was so angry. But, I'm on that fine line between an A and a B and it is really not worth causing a problem.

Good luck and keep up the good work!!

Specializes in NICU/L&D, Hospice.

Jill, thanks for your thoughtful wisdom. Usually, it is just my friend on the end, then me, then two empty seats, then the rest of the people in the front row. I'm taking all of the advice and not emailing the instructor. It is hard to let it go, that's my personality. I fight for injustice. (professionally)

Daytonite...to be honest, I was afraid when I saw that you replied! I usually agree with what you chime in with, and it is always the blunt facts. Thank you for being kind.:lol2:

I was the only one moved to the back row.

My problem is that I am a very analytical person. I can read through people as though I am psychic. :lol2: I notice almost everything (good for being a nursing student, huh?). I notice that last test she stood in the front of the room, right next to me and my friend, and today she stood in the back next to me, then switched to standing next to my friend. (I didn't notice she stood next to her, my friend told me that she was hovering her). I DO care about what people think about me. Especially when it comes to integrity and trust. That bothers me more than the thought that I might be cheating.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

My problem is that I am a very analytical person. .

I think you are over-analyzing things a little here -- and assuming a lot of motives that might not be the case. Previous posters have given a lot of other possible interpretations to the situation and they sound very plausible. Give them serious consideration.

Take a little while to "cool off" and then, if you still want to explore it with the instructor, set up an appointment with her. Tell her that you are concerned about your reputation and that you would like to know whether or not she suspects you of cheating. Assure her that you have not cheated and would be happy to demonstrate your mastery of the material by discussing it with her or by taking another test. I doubt she would take you up on that offer -- but talking with her face-to-face would be the professional way to address it.

An e-mail would be OK if you regularly discuss serious issues privately with her in that way -- but I doubt that it is the case. If you need to, make a proper appointment and look her in the eye. But if it were me ... I would take no action unless you are actually accused of something.

As far as "what other people might think" ... you'll have to outgrow that if you are going to have any peace of mind throughout your nursing career. There will always be someone who thinks badly of you ... or treats you badly ... etc. and you need to pick your battles carefully. If you get all worked up each and every time, you will get burned out quickly and not of much use to anybody. Aim for longevity, not short-term perfection and/or gratification. You'll be a happier and more productive person in the long run.

Good luck in school,

llg

Specializes in NICU/L&D, Hospice.

Ilg, thanks for replying. Of course I'm over analyzing. That is me. I am a Virgo, tried and true. I am learning from others here. That is why I posted. I don't just complain and then not listen. I like your advice about talking one-on-one if it comes to that. It probably won't, but that will be my approach if anything else comes of it.

As far as outgrowing "what other people may think", that just comes with my "package". It makes me a sensitive, caring person. I try to do right by others, and hope the same in return. If someone doesn't like me, it try to remedy the situation, not ignore it. To me, it's the people that don't care what others think of them that contribute to the negative spirit. I can handle a few people not liking me, or irritating me. But we are looking at 34 other people with the inclination that I may be a cheater. That is what doesn't rest well with me.

I fight for injustice. (professionally)

This isn't injustice, but your perception that you're being singled out. You are, but you don't know why. As others have said, perhaps she thinks others are cheating off of you.

What annoys me the most about the entire nursing school process is something that I don't find in my other classes - being treated like a 12 year old out to get over.

Just chill. You have done nothing wrong and will not be deprived of the grade for which you've worked so hard.

Specializes in NICU/L&D, Hospice.
This isn't injustice, but your perception that you're being singled out. You are, but you don't know why. As others have said, perhaps she thinks others are cheating off of you.

What annoys me the most about the entire nursing school process is something that I don't find in my other classes - being treated like a 12 year old out to get over.

Just chill. You have done nothing wrong and will not be deprived of the grade for which you've worked so hard.

You hit the nail on the head! Thanks!

Is it possible that one of your fellow students has a grudge against you and may have falsely reported to the teacher that you cheat? It sounds to me as if something has happened to make your teacher think this way. Dont' sweat it. The important thing is that you are making excellent grades, and once the teacher is satisfied that you are truly EARNING your As, she should back down and leave you alone. Since she moved the girl behind you as well, perhaps she thought the girl behind you was looking at your paper? I don't know. Just hang in there and keep doing what you are doing. She'll catch on eventually.

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