already in a pickle at Nursing School

Published

Specializes in Advanced CNA, BS in experimental Psy.

:angryfire I am absolutely floored. Clinical Instructor lied on my head to toe assessment final. I am considering not returning, lay out & work for a while until Aug 08 then go to another school for AD rather than BSN. I have never been treated with such disrespect by anyone...that is saying alot since I was a Senior Agent Law Enforcement Officer:smiley_ab for past 8 and a half years. I still passed but she really hates me. This is all stemming from when she stated to me in our nursing lab group that my problem was that my husband is a nurse. Very unprofessional...I did not say anything, following week she took group in an empty room and apologized. I was 16 pts below class average and asked to review my assessment and she acted like no one had ever asked to see their scoring results. Was very rude, would not let me see the sheet, just read off all of the so called ommisions and there were things that I did she said I did not. Cant decide what to do now. I did speak to dept chair, said she could make sure I did not get her again. She is a psy instructor and I will have her again for lecture...what happens if she changes scantron pencil bubbles on my tests? What a mess. Any suggestions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

You asked for suggestions. . .I suggest you take a day or two and cool down and this is why. . .To give up your place in a nursing program because of one instructor seems pretty wacky to me. I'm thinking, what are you going to do when, and it will happen, you are crossed by a boss or even a patient? This only involved a grade--and you still passed. If I were the department chair of your nursing program, and I have been a supervisor and manager, I'd have some serious reservations about your potential mood and safety around others just based on this incident and the way you are handling it. Keep in mind that you must get your first job reference from your nursing school in order to get your first job out of nursing school because the instructors at the nursing school are the only ones who can evaluate your performance and behavior as RNs. They are asked to evaluate you for not only your performance, but character issues as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Advanced CNA, BS in experimental Psy.
You asked for suggestions. . .I suggest you take a day or two and cool down and this is why. . .To give up your place in a nursing program because of one instructor seems pretty wacky to me. I'm thinking, what are you going to do when, and it will happen, you are crossed by a boss or even a patient? This only involved a grade--and you still passed. If I were the department chair of your nursing program, and I have been a supervisor and manager, I'd have some serious reservations about your potential mood and safety around others just based on this incident and the way you are handling it. Keep in mind that you must get your first job reference from your nursing school in order to get your first job out of nursing school because the instructors at the nursing school are the only ones who can evaluate your performance and behavior as RNs. They are asked to evaluate you for not only your performance, but character issues as well.
I have had some time to cool off. I was very professional in the way that I handled the situation...just a bit miffed about how casual she was with how she lied. I am disappointed to find out that an instructor would do such a thing. I loath dishonesty. I understand about the refrence...I like the school, dont want to go elsewhere...just trying to wrap my mind around it....Thank you for your insight, I appreciate your consideration. i'miv
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Isn't it a 'Student Right' to be able to see your assessments and grades? I know it is at our school. I would look into that! At least you would be ablet to see why your score was a bit below the average. Be thankful you passed - and I know you are. But if anything, by reading your assessment, you'll be able to see what you can improve on and what you're 'stable' on. We get a copy of our assessments/grades at the end of clinical. Actually, they are passed between us and our instructors during the clinical rotation, so we always know where we stand. I would be pretty upset about this too!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

Devil's advocate here...but consider that just maybe you didn't cover the areas mentioned during what was surely a stressful head to toe with her evaluating your performance. Calling any instructor a liar is a strong step. I'd tread carefully especially since you did pass the clinical after all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just focus on your goal of becoming a nurse. Don't worry about one instructor. When you know your stuff it should not matter what people say. I now realized, I am not in nursing school to please every instructor. My first goal, is to focus on the patients........practice safe care. I also follow all the rules and have confidence in myself. I will not allowed any instructor to get the best of me. I have also learned, when you do what you suppose to be doing, you do not have problems with instructors. This past semester, I had to deal with 4 clinical instructors. I was told two of them were tough. I got great reviews from all.

Just stay focus on the positive instead of the little stuff.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych..

So your department chair didn't say that you'd never again have her as a teacher, only as a clinical instructor?

It's definitely frustrating dealing with people like this. But you're causing yourself more stress by dwelling on things you can't change. You can't change what already happened with her in clinicals, and you can't change what may happen with her in the future. However, you can be happy that you still passed the class and focus on looking forward to the next semester. Dropping out of nursing school has no repercussions to the school or this instructor; you'd only be punishing yourself.

Good luck, and I hope your next clinical experience is better!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Dropping out of school over the situation as you describe it would be cutting off your nose to spite your face. Nursing programs are not so willing to accept transfer students these days so you might find yourself out in the cold. Your departent head stated that you don't have to get this instructor again. That is a big plus in your basket. You passed. Be thankful that she didn't fail you and just move on and get through the rest of the program. Many people end up out of nursing school and have problems that far surpass yours. You passed. She didn't fail you. So just let it go, avoid her as an instructor and finish school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Honestly, this is a good learning experience for you I'MIV. When you become an RN, there will be other people (patients, fellow nurses, doctors, etc) who do or say something rude, and you have to take it in stride. Of course, it is always easier said than done--but now that you have taken a day or two to chill, reflect on the experience.

While your instructor probably should have let you see the piece of paper for that assignment, it may not be in your nursing school's handbook of rules and regulations that students have the right to see their instructor's comments in full disclosure.

Use this as a learning experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

It sounds as if the dept head responded to the concerns you brought to her and that you will not have this instructor again. My advise is to continue on with your program.

Many of us here had instructors who were petty and irrational with us in nursing school. Don't let it get to you! Even nursing instructors have their problems, some of them are just better than others, and there are some who aren't playing with a full emotional deck.

As one poster said, consider this a preview of coming attractions. Similar things will happen in the workplace once you have your RN.

Incidentally, since she specifically mentioned regarding your husband being an RN, I'm curious if you have been refering to that in clinicals frequently, and that has gotten under your instructor's skin? You might want to keep a lid on sharing with your classmates what your husband does or does not do in his nursing practise, it might not be going over too well with others.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice.

One fellow grad told me "Just play the game" so you can graduate. It's been hard.. very hard sometimes, but I've learned to just keep my mouth shut and basically eat the poop that my instructors keep dishing out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That is very disappointing indeed and I certainly think your frustration is valid - however, not to the point of giving up on your dream. I am in an ADN program and this kind of stuff happens in my program too! The instructors can be unkind, uncaring and rude but as Kylee45 says you have to "play the game."

Instructors sometimes will test your patience and abilities to handle difficult situations - even at the expense of not giving you a higher grade. We all know messing with the grades is a 'no-no' but hopefully you can look at this experience as a lesson to help you get stronger.

I would certainly speak with the Dean or even administrator (calmly of course) again so they'll be on the look out when you do have her next time. Hopefully you won't let this little barrier stand in your way. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion