Cheating in nursing school

Asystole RN · Jan 31, 2017

Reporting unethical or dangerous behavior is a professional expectation. If you seriously believe there is cheating then follow the policy that should be outlined in your student handbook, I would imagine the first step is reporting this to your teacher.

Why do you feel the necessity to hide your identity? If you believe wrong is being done and you want to take action then own it.

Sour Lemon · Jan 31, 2017

Hi there,
So, there's been cheating in my program. I am not quite sure what to do about it so here I am turning to you guys for help. There are students who have to take their tests at different times from the normal class due to special needs. We take our exams first and then they have to take their tests a lot later. The issue is that these people are asking other students for questions and answers that were on the tests. Since we take our exams first they have an advantage and are getting better grades then those of us who have tried really hard to get to where we are. I find this to be really unfair. I feel it's the students fault as well as the faculty just to let them know that maybe everyone should be taking their tests at the same to reduce the chances of someone cheating? How do I go about this anonymously? Using school computer with a new email possibly? Thank you

I don't think you'll get very far with this. It's just not detailed enough. Which students were asking for answers and which students were giving them? What are the exact answers they were given (and to which questions) and were those answers even correct and/or used by the "cheaters"? It's pretty much gossip, although I don't doubt that it's true.

Those cheating students will have to pass NCLEX, though ...and possibly exit exams to graduate. I think you'd be better off worrying about yourself unless you have something very specific to report.

nursingforme2 · Jan 31, 2017

I don't want to necessarily get those students in trouble. I just feel it's common sense for the faculty to know that groups are formed and information will be getting out. All they have to do is look at those students at the beginning of the semesters which I know did not do so well but. However, now that they took advantage of the special needs testing, their test scores have gone up significantly. I believe this is something they should look into.

Jules A, MSN · Jan 31, 2017

Although infuriating and I agree an ethical duty I'd be careful about putting a target on your back. If you want to do it definitely do it anonymously. In my experience the schools know there are cheaters, just like they know that some of the students they don't have the stones to fail will be lousy nurses and by telling them they might feel they have to do something and talk about shooting the messenger. Unfortunately I can only secretly hope for karma because I don't buy that our relatively easy board exams are much of a stumbling block either for someone who does a review and tests fairly good. Its kind of the way of the world now we surely don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or insinuate that not every special snowflake is a winner. Heaven forbid Mommy and Daddy get angry and call to complain to the Dean.

quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN · Jan 31, 2017

At my school, those students took their exams at the same time. Don't have the what was on it issue. Maybe that could be an option.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2017

Moved to the Student forum for more feedback.

**emergenceRN17, ASN, BSN, RN** · Jan 31, 2017

I would tread lightly on this. Just because scores have improved doesn't automatically scream cheating. I say this as I begin my last semester of an RN program. Without fail I always do horrible on the first exam and improve throughout the semester. But ...... I understand your concern as we also have the same issue with test taking. My point is that you need to have specific scenarios. Don't just say "look they did better as the semester went on". They have to take the NCLEX so good luck to them.

RNNPICU, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2017

Since students are taking a test at different times, are you 100% certain it is the exact same test? The instructor could have created separate tests. I someone is asking you, I would just respond, the test covered everything that we have recently studied. As for reporting, it is hard to report hearsay information, even something you have overheard. If someone is directly asking you, first respond by saying, " I know you do not want to break the honor code by cheating", or "Asking my questions regarding the test could be construed as cheating, and I am sure you would not want to cheat on an exam."

Ms Petite 93 · Jan 31, 2017

This type of stuff can easily place a target on your back. If you are willing to do this -anonymously or not- be prepared for what's to come. Some students do have special needs where they have to test with a longer time frame. So the concept of testing at the same time will not work. The college has to accommodate for people who are at a disadvantage with their disability. At the end of the day they are going to have to take NCLEX to prove their competency. I wouldn't even worry about em.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 31, 2017

Does your school have an honor code? If so, it spells out your obligations, and you must follow that process.

As an educator, I am amazed at the 'special needs' that schools are asked to accommodate. It seems that sometimes they are doing so without adequate investigatory process - simply to avoid the possibility of being labeled as "discriminatory". My faculty friends are told to just "do it". So, IMO - there could be many unintended and unanticipated consequences.

It's important to always deal with facts and never jump to conclusions. Just because two things occur at the same time, it doesn't mean that they are connected.... remember that statistics mantra "correlation does not mean causality". However, if you are in possession of factual knowledge about dishonesty, I believe that you must share it with your instructor. If I were the instructor, I would want to know.

foggnm · Jan 31, 2017

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.