Sit the last one out? Mulling this over....

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I have not missed any clincal days.

Others in class are talking about which day they're calling in because they never missed a day either.

One professor actually said she does not mind when students don't show, because it makes the day easier for her. This is not my professor, mind you.

Last time I did this semester, I got to the next to the last day and got the boot. I'm not worried about doing anything wrong this time, but I'm thinking that since I have not missed any clincal days, and it would not jeopardize graduation, that once I get through the next to the last day, I'll sit the last day out and call it DONE. Just for me, just for my own security, just because.

Think I should?

ND

While not a clinical instructor, I have precepted a number of senior students, and let me tell you, I would not look kindly on a student "blowing off" the final day of clinical. Your program may allow for 1 unpenalized absence during the clinical rotation, but that is intended for illness, sudden emergency, unsafe driving conditions, etc., NOT student indifference, laziness, or "mental health".

Taking the day off without a legitimate excuse is dishonest and unprofessional.

I guess neither you or Sty really know my story. And there's no way that an internet forum can relay the nuances of what we say here.

I agree with what both of you said. Absolutely. Just don't lump me in with other students. I'm not typical. My situation does not involve indifference, or laziness. I went to clinical instead of being at my dying father-in-law's bedside last year. I'm dedicated. Anyone here that knows me will tell you that. And I don't take mental health lightly, being someone with documented diabilities that require a great deal of effort to overcome. My concerns are legitimate.

Every week, I post an update of how the semester is going, so that those that care and know my history can watch as I succeed. I am a professional, I am a serious student, and stand in a position to pass this class even if I got a ZERO on the final. That was through hard work both this and my past attempt at this semester. I was a serious student last time too, going into the final with a 90 average. My 3.87 GPA proves it too. This, again, involves a great deal of effort in working through my disabilites. Lowest grade to date is a B+. I will not recount why I got the boot with one day left last time, but lets just say it in part it was due to a lack of understanding of who I am and how I function and what I'm capable of. My current professor/CI was there and knows the whole story. She has told me numerous times that she is proud of me for overcoming many obstacles, including the repeat of the semester. She says many give up and don't ever come back. Those here that do know me know my story. I don't feel the need to explain it again.

Someone here that does know my story, someone whom I'd consider a professional, and a friend, has responded displaying full understanding of my situation and my history. Others have been constructive in what they said. I am trying very hard to not view what you said as harsh, but the sting lingers.

I know who I am. I know the good I've done. I know what I've been through. I know what it's taught me.

ND

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
I guess neither you or Sty really know my story. And there's no way that an internet forum can relay the nuances of what we say here.

I agree with what both of you said. Absolutely. Just don't lump me in with other students. I'm not typical. My situation does not involve indifference, or laziness. I went to clinical instead of being at my dying father-in-law's bedside last year. I'm dedicated. Anyone here that knows me will tell you that. And I don't take mental health lightly, being someone with documented diabilities that require a great deal of effort to overcome. My concerns are legitimate.

Every week, I post an update of how the semester is going, so that those that care and know my history can watch as I succeed. I am a professional, I am a serious student, and stand in a position to pass this class even if I got a ZERO on the final. That was through hard work both this and my past attempt at this semester. I was a serious student last time too, going into the final with a 90 average. My 3.87 GPA proves it too. This, again, involves a great deal of effort in working through my disabilites. Lowest grade to date is a B+. I will not recount why I got the boot with one day left last time, but lets just say it in part it was due to a lack of understanding of who I am and how I function and what I'm capable of. My current professor/CI was there and knows the whole story. She has told me numerous times that she is proud of me for overcoming many obstacles, including the repeat of the semester. She says many give up and don't ever come back. Those here that do know me know my story. I don't feel the need to explain it again.

Someone here that does know my story, someone whom I'd consider a professional, and a friend, has responded displaying full understanding of my situation and my history. Others have been constructive in what they said. I am trying very hard to not view what you said as harsh, but the sting lingers.

I know who I am. I know the good I've done. I know what I've been through. I know what it's taught me.

ND

ND,

I am not unaware of your situation. I have read a number of your posts, and know the "Reader's Digest" version of the events of your nursing education. I admire your persistence and hard work in getting to where you are...near graduation. I am not unsympathetic. That said, my answer remains the same. We all have obstacles; we all have unique situations that influence our education and careers. No one individual situation is any more or less pressing than anyone else's. Part of being a professional is learning to perform our job duties despite our circumstances. That is why, in my opinion, you need to go to your final clinical. You will probably receive a good grade whether or not you show up, but you will have done so at a price to your self-confidence, and other's perceptions of you. You may not think that matters much at graduation time, but in the long run, it will. Good luck.

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ND,

I am not unaware of your situation. I have read a number of your posts, and know the "Reader's Digest" version of the events of your nursing education. I admire your persistence and hard work in getting to where you are...near graduation. I am not unsympathetic. That said, my answer remains the same. We all have obstacles; we all have unique situations that influence our education and careers. No one individual situation is any more or less pressing than anyone else's. Part of being a professional is learning to perform our job duties despite our circumstances. That is why, in my opinion, you need to go to your final clinical. You will probably receive a good grade whether or not you show up, but you will have done so at a price to your self-confidence, and other's perceptions of you. You may not think that matters much at graduation time, but in the long run, it will. Good luck.

I get what you're saying. I agreed with your first response too, even if it struck a nerve. If I were preceptoring, I'd have a hard time with a student blowing off the day too. I've been in situations where people I've been responsible for teaching have been less than dedicated. I get it. I really do.

I've talked this over with my wife, and I've already decided that the best thing for me to do in order to totally overcome and move on from what happened in the past, is to go through to the last day. I tend not to back down from challenges, and I'd be letting myself down if I sat the last day out. But I needed to run through it, and I needed input, and I certainly got it. I even got an apology via PM. I know not going in on the last day would impact how I feel about myself and it would begin to concern me what others perceived of the situation. Why tarnish what should otherwise be a triumph?

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Barring any unforseen circumstances, I'll be there on the last day.

ND

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
I get what you're saying. I agreed with your first response too, even if it struck a nerve. If I were preceptoring, I'd have a hard time with a student blowing off the day too. I've been in situations where people I've been responsible for teaching have been less than dedicated. I get it. I really do.

I've talked this over with my wife, and I've already decided that the best thing for me to do in order to totally overcome and move on from what happened in the past, is to go through to the last day. I tend not to back down from challenges, and I'd be letting myself down if I sat the last day out. But I needed to run through it, and I needed input, and I certainly got it. I even got an apology via PM. I know not going in on the last day would impact how I feel about myself and it would begin to concern me what others perceived of the situation. Why tarnish what should otherwise be a triumph?

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Barring any unforseen circumstances, I'll be there on the last day.

ND

I'm glad to hear that you've made this decision. I think you will come away from your final day with a great sense of pride knowing that you met your "tiger" head-on, and chased it away. I sincerely hope you will post after your clinical day so that we may offer you the congratulations that you so richly deserve.

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Hey ND. I remember your story from last year. I'm glad you decided to stick with it through the end... But I have a thought... since you are going to go to that last clinical day... maybe you could take another day (this summer) and have a day to yourself then... I know it sounds silly... but moms do it all the time... It would be good for you to get away and have some time alone without worrying about school/work/family... etc... Just a thought.

Good luck to you!

Jennifer

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

ND,

Don't miss it. I almost called off work the other night...just cause. What would this have accomplished?

1. Other tech would have had to stay whole shift, when she has family situation that could accelerate to emergency at any time.

2. I would have missed 2!! unique oppourtunities to see nursing care done I wouldn't have normally seen.

3. I would have NOT enjoyed by day off, wondering how I was being perceived.

4. You make a decision to be dedicated to your patients as a nurse. If you don't show, then they are not being cared for by a nurse that they were looking forward to seeing, and discharging same day and never seeing again.

Real world healthcare....just enjoy the days off....;)

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Specializes in ER.

If there is a last day "sick-out" the instructor may decide to assign extra tasks to those that didn't show up.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm glad you decided to go.

I think this was not so much about a 'mental health' day as it was about having the extra insurance available, and so, using it to ensure that nothing could go wrong.

However, I think this is also an issue of getting back up on the horse.

From a confidence point of view, you are better served facing each and every clinical and overcoming.

I think, in the long run, you will have more pride in yourself facing and surpassing each and every clinical in this replay. That in my opinion, far outweighs the alternatives. Don't ever feel like you need to strategically time your days to ensure success. This isn't the last time. This is this time. You are a different person and a better person for it. Respect yourself and go in there with your head held up high.

You've earned it.

Good luck. You know we're all rooting for you.

~faith,

Timothy.

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I'm glad you decided to go.

I think this was not so much about a 'mental health' day as it was about having the extra insurance available, and so, using it to ensure that nothing could go wrong.

However, I think this is also an issue of getting back up on the horse.

From a confidence point of view, you are better served facing each and every clinical and overcoming.

I think, in the long run, you will have more pride in yourself facing and surpassing each and every clinical in this replay. That in my opinion, far outweighs the alternatives. Don't ever feel like you need to strategically time your days to ensure success. This isn't the last time. This is this time. You are a different person and a better person for it. Respect yourself and go in there with your head held up high.

You've earned it.

Good luck. You know we're all rooting for you.

~faith,

Timothy.

As for the insurance theory: BINGO. Give the man a prize.

As for the rest of the post: Thank you. You understand, Timothy.

Thanks all for all your posts.

ND

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I'm happy that you decided to go to the clinical. Timothy did get it right after reading more of your posts, that it really wasn't about taking a well-deserved mental health break. (People can flame me for that if they will, but I am one of those who rarely gets sick but sometimes has to taake a mental health day off to get my act together. Call it lazy and unprofessional, but I do it once every couple of years. LOL) Best wishes!

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Insurance = peace of mind = better mental health. But I'm still going.

ND

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Specializes in Emergency.

ND,

I think you've made the right decision. I agree with Timothy on the getting back on the horse too. I've followed your posts sonce last year and yeah, you've had a tough path to travel so far, but you're focused on the end result.

Go get 'em.

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