How should I go about this?

[ADN_Is_Complete, ADN]

Hey all, I have an issue. A completely avoidable issue, but nonetheless still an issue. During our brief week off, I was assigned a computer assignment that counts as clinical hours. Unfortunately, although I completed the other ten, I forgot this particular one ( it's worth two to four hours). Because of this, I have an unexcused clinical absence which means a clinical failure. So, I must go before a committee on the scheduled date and time and appeal. Has anyone ever had to do an appeal? I am not sure of what I should say. I've begun thinking of what I can say, so far I've got " Thank you for your time in meeting with me. I understand that I did not complete a necessary component of my clinical hours. Also, I know I do not have a valid reason to excuse me from this situation, but I truly apologize. If I am allowed to progress, I will complete any further assignments in a timely manner." Any suggestions or additions?

[JKL33]

I haven't faced this, but I think being respectful and taking responsibility is a GREAT place to start. I'm guessing I would probably say that I thought I'd covered all my bases but overlooked this one assignment. I would at least float the idea that I'm willing to do just about any amount of make-up work they could assign, if they would find that an acceptable solution. Perhaps someone with experience will come along to advise you further. Good luck!

[ADN_Is_Complete, ADN]

Thank you for the advice! And I'll be sure to include that!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

When did you notice that you had missed the assignment after the deadline? When you discovered your mistake, did you contact your instructor to attempt to remedy the mistake?

[ADN_Is_Complete, ADN]

The assignment was due on the first. I would say I noticed it one to three days later. I didn't email the instructor promptly because it would not be reopended and I didnt think there was anything I could do at that point. I hate that I wasn't prompt. I emailed her yesterday once I heard about the dismissal of one of our classmates for the same offense.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

moved to the General Student Discussions forum

[Ladyscrubs]

Take responsibility, do not lie and no excuses, you forgot, period, they know that. What they care about now is how you will remedy this situation and what methods, plans, or reminders will you be implementing to avoid a situation like this again in the future. Don't worry about the other student, it is not your business…if this is your first clinical fail, take a breath. Honestly don't apologize—it's your grade, what do you have to apologize to them for, plus they're getting paid to sit there. Believe me, I am a clinical instructor.

I have written quite a few letters for students in appeal and I have always been summoned to show for "the guilty party."During the appeal (casual, sitting around a conference table, all eyes on you)…

"No doubt my time management has not been on par this summer, there is no excuse, however, in the past months all my assignments, and care plans have been submitted on time. I realized that during all the previous semesters I had used my student calendar and a class organizer to keep me on track, but for some unknown reason even though the assignment was noted in my scheduler and I did complete XYZ I did overlook 123. If there is an assignment or project that I could do that might give me partial credit, I would appreciate the opportunity to do so."

Be polite, be professional, for all it's worth, if you had been my clinical student, this matter would have been handled just between us. Now if you had killed someone…that's another story.

Just Breathe

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

If you can show that once you realized that you are missed the deadline, that you notified the instructor to see if there is a remedy. That would at least show that it was a mental mistake that anyone could have made versus not caring until they tell you that you failed the clinical, then trying to argue to stay in the program.

if you had been my clinical student, this matter would have been handled just between us.

This would have been the likely result if you had contacted the instructor immediately upon realizing your mistake. If you were a good student, the instructor would understand that it was a temporary mental lapse and would never have involved administration.

[ADN_Is_Complete, ADN]

Thank you for the informative response. I will definitely keep all you've said in mind during the appeal. And this is my first clinical review. I do always turn in my assignments so this was quite surprising to me to just forget. I understand that policies are implemented for a reason, but I hate to think all my hard work can be undone by one assignment. I have a high B in the class, and I'd hate to retake, but if that happens I'll deal with it accordingly.

[ADN_Is_Complete, ADN]

I did not reach out to her before yesterday. And she never emailed me stating I had failed clinical until I initiated the conversation via email about how I would make up the hours. I'm a good student, I just made a big mistake that I will refrain from in the future.