Dismissed from FNP program

[vanurse1022, BSN]

Hi everyone,

I was dismissed from my FNP program on account of "academic misconduct" a few days before graduating. Long story short, I had a lot going on in my personal life that distracted my attention from my final clinical, and I did not get all the hours in that I needed to. Instead of asking for an extension and admitting defeat (at least that's how I saw it at the time), I forged some of the hours. I was so close to being done that I just wanted it to be over and wasn't thinking straight.

I met with my instructor and tried to explain the situation, but at that point it was too late. I appealed my instructor's decision, asking if I could retake that course, but was denied.

I was of course devastated. I seriously questioned whether or not I should pursue an FNP elsewhere. I worked so hard and came so close it seemed silly to throw it all away. I was a good student, I got good grades, I enjoyed my clinicals and working with patients. It took me a while to work up the courage but I eventually applied to another FNP program. I was denied on account of being dismissed from another program.

So my question is, have any of you gone through something similar? Any advice on applying to other programs? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

[BostonRN13]

I'm sorry. I think being an adult student with a life and family obligations makes it a tough balancing act for sure..

Have you appealed to the Dean of nursing for a redo on clinical and delayed graduation? I would be a bit embarrassed but a little angry too if I had completed all of the other classes and just had a moment of bad judgement.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I don't know the due process that was conducted in your case. It sounds like your story ended at the school of nursing level. In cases like this, you must look into your university's policies in cases of academic dishonesty and breaks in student's responsibility for academic integrity. Some institutions allow students to bring the case up at the university level for appeal. Unless the University Provost or someone in a similar capacity says "no way Jose" to you, the appeals process has not been exhausted. At least, that's how it is in the schools I've been associated with.

You may use this channel not to get you off the hook in the case against you but maybe to have the record removed from your academic transcript so that you can still seek admission at another program. That may be a bit far-fetched given the gravity of your situation but I think it's worth a try if you show genuine remorse for what you've done and express a strong desire to practice as an FNP. I'm sorry to use your case but I think it's a great lesson to be learned about academic honesty which is so important in our profession as nurses.

[Needles McGee, RN]

You forged hours, which was unethical, and you expect to be given a break?

[Dr.Naija_Glam]

Vanurse1022, I can understand how it feels to be under a lot of pressure with school and life. But this does not excuse what you did. I agree with Juan that your best bet would be to appeal if that is possible. When I was in school, there was an FNP student who did the exact same thing. He was dismissed and not allowed to return, which is congruent with the school's academic dishonesty policy.

[zeus&lincoln]

Someone in my nursing school did the same thing in their final practicum... She had a slew of family issues which is why she said she did it, but after the nursing school discovered she forged the documentation she was removed from school (3days before graduation) on account of academic dishonesty. She tried to appeal to the school but lost...she hasn't been able to find a school to accept her due to this "lapse in judgement." I am sorry about your situation but what the heck were you thinkin'? You're obviously highly intelligent being that you excelled in NP school, so how could you make such a frivolous mistake?!?! Unfortunately you aren't going to like to hear this, but I don't think you should be eligible to retake the course, if you forged this what other unethical behavior might you exhibit that may have potentially graver consequences?

[carachel2]

First off, I have to say I really understand the temptation to do that...being SO close and having so many issues going on. But the reality is that in your practice as an NP you will be SOOOO tempted to fill in a blank that you assessed X when you didn't or you did X when you didn't. It's integrity that counts and if you didn't show it in your student work, it's the job of your administrators to pull the plug so you don't do it in the real world. We had a student whom I KNOW forged hours and even now 4 years later it STILL burns me up. She ADMITTED she rounded up on patients ages in order to get the required geriatric hours. She works in a local specialty and you gotta be dang sure I go out of my way to send patients away from her.

With all that said, I can sense the remorse and desperation in your voice ... I just don't know how to tell you to move forward. I always wonder what keeps someone from completely starting over at another school?

[VTach2013]

I hope that you have learnt your lesson seeing the desperate circumstance you are in. With that being said, we all make mistakes. It seems like with that disciplinary action on file it will be very difficult to get into another FNP program. If you can no longer appeal then try to apply to schools in Puerto Rico which are not as competitive as the ones in the the continental US and almost always have spots needing to be filled. The lack of competition for a spot will give you a higher chance of being considered. The fnp programs are accredited in all US states because Puerto Rico is a US territory. Good luck!

[SandyRN1122]

WOW, what a story. I'm just starting clinicals and thank-you for sharing and being transparent to a tragedy in your academic career. I truly hope that all NP students learn from this and do not make the same mistake. As stated by previous comments, there is no way after all the late nights, papers, and tests that I would let this rest without exhausting every glimmer of hope available to appeal the schools position. Best of luck with whatever course of action you take and sincerely hope that, harsh as it may be, it is a lesson learned.

[Future FNP 14]

Hire a lawyer that can appeal your case to the school. There are lawyers out there!!

[nursetim, NP]

Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking. This phrase runs through my head when I find myself in ethical situations.

[BostonRN13]

Just curious, how did they find out??