dismissed from my ADN program HELP

Nursing Students General Students

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:banghead:

Hello allnurses,

I'm still in a state of SHOCK right now...

I was just recently told that I should withdraw from the program because I would not pass clinical. I (at the time ) was told that I could reapply to the school and perhaps be readmitted. So I dropped. I have been having CONTINUOUS issues with this program and its instructors, and I had many complaints from hospital staff, but I have tried to address the issues. I have received complaints of unsafe clinical behavior, but it has been something like a one time incident of forgetting to remove my gloves before stepping out of a pt's room. I also was told I am not performing an acceptable physical health assessment when I examine my patient. I took Health Assessment in the fall of 2006, and haven't had any of it since. I reapplied to the program and took the tests and everything and submitted my application to re-enter the program the next year. My plans were to retake health assessment since my instructors have pointed out deficiencies in my physical assessment while in clinical, then I would go back and retake common concepts of adult health (med-surge 1) and be delayed for a year. It sounds like a good plan on paper so far, huh?

Skip ahead another couple of weeks to a week after my reapplication... I got a letter in the mail from the director of our nursing program stating that I would not be readmitted to the program due to "unsafe clinical behavior". Now I don't know what to do... Personally, I don't see my clinical behavior any different than the majority of the students in the program, I seem to get more difficult patients with more critical issues such as morbid obesity, inability to move, and such. I now have to apply to another program. However, one of the problems I face with that is previous program dismissal.

I can apply to another program, and I will more than likely get in, but so many of the other programs around here want you to be able to return to your previous program. What to do...

I really don't want to go to the Nursing Department and rehash all of this again, as the staff there (all 4 of them) are of the opinion that I shouldn't ever BE a NURSE! I am mad, tired, discouraged, and doubtful at this point. FORGET all the accolades I have had previous to this program, but now, the Nursing Department doesn't seem to want to have anything to do with me. They don't even want to entertain the idea of me being back in their program. Our director is a REAL BIGWIG she is the former president of the Texas Nursing Association, and she is like a nursing God or something.

My current plan of action is to apply to another nearby program that is in a separate college nearby. I just feel like I should have had a second chance with this first program. And What about the Clinically unsafe opinions? That frightens me b/c I haven't been any different than any of the other students I have been on the unit with. I sort of feel like I have been hung out to twist in the wind by my instructors. I don't feel supported or taught or encouraged by any of them. I feel that I was judged harshly, and I am HUGELY DISSAPOINTED by my nursing instructors. I feel that I have only been criticized for my errors, and NOT shown a better way of anything. I am undecided about how to handle this dismissal.

Now I am actually close personal friends with the Dean of Students at this school. Should I involve her? Should I complain to the Dean of Students about this dismissal/denial of readmission, or should I just move on and reapply to this next program?

Currently I am just so let down by my level of instruction and I am really disheartened by the whole experience.

Here are my courses and grades so far:

Fall 2004: Lifespan Growth and Dev. 2314- A

Sp 2005: A&P1 - A

Summer 2005: Psych 2301 (intro) - A

Spring 2006: A & P 2 - B

Summer2006: English 1301 - A

Fall 2006: Health Assessment - A

Spring 2007: Microbiology - A

Fall 2007: Dosage Calculation - A

Spring 2008: Medical Spanish - A

Fall 2008: Foundations of Nursing - B

Fall 2008: Clinical for Foundations - B

Spring 2009: Med Surge 1 (Common Concepts of Adult Health) Withdrew - W

Spring 2009: Clinical for Med Surge 1 - Withdrew - W

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Laura

1. The incident with the doctor showed a lack of respect for someone on a very tight schedule. I, as a "regular RN", would have stepped aside and let him assess his patient. Doctors often have very little time to spend with their hospitalized patients as it is...he certainly shouldn't have to wait for a student to finish her assessment.

2. She wasn't going to take care of him by herself. Honestly, how long would it take for her to inform the instructor that the nurse was coming to help with a lift instead of leaving the instructor and two other students in limbo?

3. So just because "some" students in your class aren't proficient at assessment skills that makes it OKAY?!? You have a propensity to excuse students just because "they're students"...I'm sorry, but all that stands between a nursing student and an RN is NCLEX. If students can't make the mark as students why on earth do you think they'll suddenly make it after NCLEX?? Either you have "it" or you don't.

OP, I'm sorry you're having trouble with nursing school, but this isn't a recent development. I honestly don't know what to tell you....

I thought that you gain most of the knowledge on your first year as a RN...

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

But, you have to make it thru school first...

1. The incident with the doctor showed a lack of respect for someone on a very tight schedule. I, as a "regular RN", would have stepped aside and let him assess his patient. Doctors often have very little time to spend with their hospitalized patients as it is...he certainly shouldn't have to wait for a student to finish her assessment.

2. She wasn't going to take care of him by herself. Honestly, how long would it take for her to inform the instructor that the nurse was coming to help with a lift instead of leaving the instructor and two other students in limbo?

3. So just because "some" students in your class aren't proficient at assessment skills that makes it OKAY?!? You have a propensity to excuse students just because "they're students"...I'm sorry, but all that stands between a nursing student and an RN is NCLEX. If students can't make the mark as students why on earth do you think they'll suddenly make it after NCLEX?? Either you have "it" or you don't.

OP, I'm sorry you're having trouble with nursing school, but this isn't a recent development. I honestly don't know what to tell you....

So what are saying,that Rn's time is not important as well,I have had docs waiting on and non complained and even one helped me to change sheets!,I say she had a bad luck with a bad doctor:p

Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

When you reenter nursing school, spend time in the lab. Also, do you work in the field? If not, consider it. Even a CNA can get hands on assessment skills when it's not too busy. Many nurses will take cna's under their wing and show them things and help with skills. I had many nurses to that with me.

It sounds like there is either more to this or that the school felt you did not belong there. Move on and good luck.

So what are you saying,that Rn's time is not important as well,I have had docs waiting on and non complained and even one helped me to change sheets!,I say she had a bad luck with a bad doctor:p
We and the docs need to work as a team.I agree that her mistake was telling him she is almost done,she should have had finish the lungs and then step away let the doc finish his thing and then asses the abdomen.
Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.
So what are saying,that Rn's time is not important as well,I have had docs waiting on and non complained and even one helped me to change sheets!,I say she had a bad luck with a bad doctor:p

I didn't say my time isn't as important. It's called RESPECT, lovehospital. I RESPECT that my docs are under a time crunch and need to get in and get out.

You may call it "bad luck", I call it dismissal from nursing school. I happen to take things a bit more seriously than you do obviously.

Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I would not have kept the doc waiting. When the poster realized the physician was there, she should have stepped aside. She's there all shift, he's there all of about 5 minutes. I agree, it's called respect. These are things that can be learned however. Next time step aside, chances are you'll be able to learn something from the doc. Just the little bits of information the pt shares with the physician can add oodles to your care plan.

I'm the same way when respiratory comes in. I learned so much from stepping aside because by showing them respect, they answered questions and got me used to adventicious lung sounds. It's all about team work most of the time. Not a day goes by that I'm not learning from someone.

I still think you should think about moving on. I would want some solid reasons why the school felt I was unsafe though. Can't improve if you don't know what to work on.

I would not have kept the doc waiting. When the poster realized the physician was there, she should have stepped aside. She's there all shift, he's there all of about 5 minutes. I agree, it's called respect. These are things that can be learned however. Next time step aside, chances are you'll be able to learn something from the doc. Just the little bits of information the pt shares with the physician can add oodles to your care plan.

I'm the same way when respiratory comes in. I learned so much from stepping aside because by showing them respect, they answered questions and got me used to adventicious lung sounds. It's all about team work most of the time. Not a day goes by that I'm not learning from someone.

I still think you should think about moving on. I would want some solid reasons why the school felt I was unsafe though. Can't improve if you don't know what to work on.

Yes she should have moved- only after asculating the lungs (the rest of the assessment can be done later),but if she was lets say asculating the apical pulse,I think it would be polite of the doctor to wait until she finished,the respect is earned and mutual,why should I respect the doc if he doesnt respect me,he is not my boss....my point is I wound never be so rude to anybody if they were to asculate lungs or a pulse...Why should I drop everything and salute to the doctor,he is not a God.Behavior like this contributes to doctor mistreating the nurses and no I'm not trying to be rude..

Specializes in ER.

I just wanted to add a big (((hug)))

I just watched a student in my clinical group get let go from our program. We are at the end of a long 4 year BSN program.

Right before she gathered her stuff and left the hospital, I looked at her and she looked so sad. So defeated. I wanted to say something nice, something uplifting but I was at a loss of words. She walked out the door, and I may never see her again.

I wasn't friends with her. I barely knew her. I knew she was struggling with our teacher. I can't say what she was doing that was causing problems this late in the game...It was just a sad day for me to see her look so old. I did know that she tried to do everything in her power to fix problems based on feedback she was given. I know that she spent her entire spring break in the lab working on improving her skills. I know she had hours of extra assignments. She might really have had major issues in her care...maybe she just rubbed our instructor wrong. I don't know and never will, but it really made me sad.

So I want to say to you, what I didn't say to her.

Sorry that happened. It sounds like you really tried. Don't stop trying. Ever.

Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.
Yes she should have moved- only after asculating the lungs (the rest of the assessment can be done later),but if she was lets say asculating the apical pulse,I think it would be polite of the doctor to wait until she finished,the respect is earned and mutual,why should I respect the doc if he doesnt respect me,he is not my boss....my point is I wound never be so rude to anybody if they were to asculate lungs or a pulse...Why should I drop everything and salute to the doctor,he is not a God.Behavior like this contributes to doctor mistreating the nurses and no I'm not trying to be rude..

Grasshopper, you have a LOT to learn.

Specializes in Student Nursing in Med/Surg/Onc/Psych.
Yes she should have moved- only after asculating the lungs (the rest of the assessment can be done later),but if she was lets say asculating the apical pulse,I think it would be polite of the doctor to wait until she finished,the respect is earned and mutual,why should I respect the doc if he doesnt respect me,he is not my boss....my point is I wound never be so rude to anybody if they were to asculate lungs or a pulse...Why should I drop everything and salute to the doctor,he is not a God.Behavior like this contributes to doctor mistreating the nurses and no I'm not trying to be rude..

Yes, touchy subject, but I still agree with "lovehospital." There is mutual respect to be had. It is a working relationship, which SHOULD be professional and respectful. Now, I didnt say that it IS professional and respectful, but it SHOULD be.....unfortunately, many times, this isnt the case, but I do believe that something should be done about inappropriate and disrespectful doctors. Its not like nurses dont have options. The only thing is, it may be a long, hard fight and there may be some losses, but nothing worth fighting for comes easy.

-Matt

Specializes in Pain mgmt, PCU.

the real reason for this post is to help us all realize that what we say is not necessarly what people hear.

i barely noticed that there was another person in the room. i said something like i'm almost done, and he complained to the charge nurse.

the appropriate thing imho would have been to at least acknowledge that there was someone else in the room!!as someone else said, many times docs have tight schedules. believe it or not, i have given up my chair if i can move and the doc needs a space. i would like to get my new orders more than i want to keep my sense of equality:wink2:

i went outside a pt's room once with gloves still on.

oops :nurse:!! watch out for the infection control police

once when i was beginning to take 2 patients (as our program transitions us) i asked alot of questions to my primary nurse, and she stated to my instructor that i seemed unsafe.

questions are great, as long as they were not covered in report, something you should know or can look up. many hospitals have internet access on the unit. if so, it might have been a great resource for some questions.:twocents:

i had not done anything like give meds without a nurse or w/o checking them.

was it the time in your rotation to begin to do this? if so you may have to become more confidant and do it. check the 5 rs and if you gut says no, check with someone else, even nurses who have done this for 25 years still check with their fellow nurses to see fi it sounds right to them.:wink2:

i have had problems with a perfect physical assessment. and that was mentioned a few times. so i paid more attention to that part of my practice. i practiced my assessments and tutored with our instructor (student aide) who helped me fine tune my physical assessment. i also took steps to correct the complaints leveled against me. i noticed that my instructor did not offer me much in the way of advice or guidance, just disappointment when someone would complain.

this would stink. when i was on peds rotation my instructor told me i had no maternal instince whatsoever. that felt good.:lol_hitti

i didn't return to the room because i didn't want to return empty-handed, and the othernnurse in the pt room told me she would be right with me. if i left and she showed up and i was gone, i thought that would be non-productive and just cause more problems. when i was a kid, my dad always told me to wait.

you aren't a kid any more. i would have stuck my head in the door and tell the pt something like "i'm still trying to find the dang hoyer lift. are you still ok? (btw, you are 39 and not a kid anymore)

i will agree i could have made better decisions and such, but so far, nothing really unsafe. my health assessment skills i will agree need improvement as i have had trouble finding the right places to listen for things like murmurs and i have had problems hearing wheezes.

are you having troubles hearing fine wheezes or wheezes that others notice right away. that may be a reason to have an examination, seriously!

i just really don't think my clinical performance amounts to unsafe practice since i am a student.

"i am a student" isn't a endearing thing to say to your instructor!

i was helping her and she began to cough, and i finished packing a stage 4 tunneling pressure ulcer with exposed bone. i packed the wound with some type of silver nitrate soaked sterile cloth and dressed the wound. i was so proud of myself!!!

this is great! i love to assess and pack really deep nasty woulds, when i see them get better i feel like i can see a really visable part of my work. also, it is great to be able to help.

i really do appreciate all y'alls feedback, and i have already ordered some dvds and books to read and watch over the summer.

it does sould like your are working hard. keep up the effort.

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