Can a nursing instructor talk about the grade she gave you to hospital staff?

[Naturally Brilliant]

Recently I got hired at a hospital nearby as a CNA, which is wonderful because I'm taking this year off (2013) from nursing school and I do want more clinical experience. I felt that I wasn't getting enough clinical experience, and I did need a break from school, so this is ideal for me.

However, there's this one nursing instructor that I had who gave me a grade that wasn't particularly great, and I have been in the process of appealing that grade. But it was pretty clear that we didn't personally like each other either. All in all, it should be fine because I reasoned that I wouldn't have to see her or deal with her again.

Here's the problem: One of my friends that I talked to said that this instructor works as an RN on the exact same unit in which I was hired. What an awful coincidence! I hope that she doesn't work the same shifts and times that I do, but in case she does, then I think I'd feel uncomfortable.

I'm a bit worried that if she does find out I'm working in that unit, she'll go and tell the other nurses (including my new manager) about me and the bad grade she'd given me. I don't want that to happen and for others to know how I did in that class, or for her to possibly gossip about me.

Do I have any sort of legal protection when it comes to grades and academic records? Obviously I wouldn't go around discussing all my grades with any of my co-workers, but I don't want to feel like I'm in a threatened and fearful work environment. What should I do?

[proud nurse, BSN, RN]

I think you might be worrying yourself unnecessarily. If you feel there's a mutual dislike between the two of you, there's a strong possibility she'll be avoiding you just as much as you will her. But yes, I agree with you, your grade should be confidential but I have heard instructors tell student's grades in front of other people. Usually other students though, not in a situation like yours.

I guess I just don't understand what will she gain by telling other people your grade, to get the other girls to dislike you just as much or to make you look stupid? Is she really that immature?

[Naturally Brilliant, BSN, RN]

I think I am too (worrying unnecessarily). I know that she'd just avoid me. Still, I'm committed to keeping things professional. I absolutely want to make the best impression possible and am just a bit afraid that she might cast a negative impression of me to others. But since I'm in a work environment, and obviously not an academic one, with regards to my CNA job, I think the grade situation is impertinent anyway.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

We cannot offer legal advice as per the Terms of Service......I agree with checking out FERPA.....but that usually does not include grades. It makes her a gossip and unprofessional but in most cases not illegal. You are right.......Your nursing instructor is impertinent and your grade in this situation is probably inconsequential.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Unfortunately, her discussing your grades is not illegal. Ethical and/or moral of her to do? That's questionable.

However, from what you have already posted, it doesn't seem like she's disclosed your grade to anyone, so I agree: you may be getting worried over nothing. Odds are likely she wouldn't disclose it because as others have said, what would she have to gain by doing so?

Nor can you control what she does say--should she decide to say it--so that's something you need to let go of as well.

Go in and prove yourself with your hard work, and keep your relationship with her professional and impeccable at all times. That will speak louder than any words.

Best of luck.