Just finished up term 3 of 5 (LPN). One of my closest friends in the class was failed in clinical by our 3rd term instructor. She (the friend) feels unfairly targeted by this instructor, and wants myself and some other people to vouch this for her.
Now here's the rub-- without getting into all kinds of detail, our environment at school is definitely turning hostile. I don't have anything concrete that I can add in for my friend's appeal, and I am fairly sure that I will have the clinical instructor in question for 4th term clinicals. I want to be available for my friend, and help out if possible... but I also have to be in the program with this instructor for the next 6 months
Have any of you been stuck in this situation, and how did you handle it?
I would say try to be supportive as possible as a friend, but above all else take care of number one (YOURSELF) first. Don't ruin your career for the benefit of someone else.
I agree, support your friend behind the scenes but keep yourself out of her situation. You have too much to lose by getting involved in her fight.
She didn't say that, you are putting words in her mouth. Surely there are people that get failed who deserved it, just as there are instructors that aren't fair. You can do well in theory and stink at clinical applications, or do well in clinical and stink at theory. You need to do well in both to become a nurse.
Thanks for that, that was exactly what I wanted to say earlier, my intentions are not to put anyone down. Yes, there are instructors that aren't fair, but they have to make sure one is safe, it is their license that's at risk as well, and most instructors want us to succeed.
Thanks for that, that was exactly what I wanted to say earlier, my intentions are not to put anyone down. Yes, there are instructors that aren't fair, but they have to make sure one is safe, it is their license that's at risk as well, and most instructors want us to succeed.
Let me tell you, that clinical instructors can fail a student for any reason..And that person can be safe also..
I'll be the first to say that there's two things you MUST do in this situation:
1. Explain to your friend that you have no concrete evidence to add to their appeal, and you're not going to put your butt in a sling for abstract feelings of being targeted....
2. Also vouch for the fact that you are a friend, and you'll be there to offer support in their case, but that's all you can do in this situation. You don't want to be labeled and made hypervisible in the program based on someone else's problem....
And, for the record, I know a few students who failed clinicals.....one told off the instructor, and was never prepared for care....another never turned in the paperwork required....and yet another was unsafe to practice all the time...If you are prepared and friendly/professional...you won't give an instructor any reason to fail you....
Just finished up term 3 of 5 (LPN). One of my closest friends in the class was failed in clinical by our 3rd term instructor. She (the friend) feels unfairly targeted by this instructor, and wants myself and some other people to vouch this for her.
Now here's the rub-- without getting into all kinds of detail, our environment at school is definitely turning hostile. I don't have anything concrete that I can add in for my friend's appeal, and I am fairly sure that I will have the clinical instructor in question for 4th term clinicals. I want to be available for my friend, and help out if possible... but I also have to be in the program with this instructor for the next 6 months
Have any of you been stuck in this situation, and how did you handle it?
I hate to sound cold & heartless, but there are times when you have to take care of #1. Unless you or your friend have documented evidence of unfair or unprofessional practices on the part of the instructor, there is little to be gained for you and so much to lose. I'm not going to tell you what to do, but just be 100% sure before taking any action.
Let me tell you, that clinical instructors can fail a student for any reason..And that person can be safe also..
Why do I sense so much bitterness towards instructors?
Why did your CI fail you? If you don't mind me asking you? It seems that you hold a lot of resentment towards your previous CI, but please don't take it out on me, I've been patient for the last two days, let's try to be professional about this.....
I'll be the first to say that there's two things you MUST do in this situation:
1. Explain to your friend that you have no concrete evidence to add to their appeal, and you're not going to put your butt in a sling for abstract feelings of being targeted....
2. Also vouch for the fact that you are a friend, and you'll be there to offer support in their case, but that's all you can do in this situation. You don't want to be labeled and made hypervisible in the program based on someone else's problem....
And, for the record, I know a few students who failed clinicals.....one told off the instructor, and was never prepared for care....another never turned in the paperwork required....and yet another was unsafe to practice all the time...If you are prepared and friendly/professional...you won't give an instructor any reason to fail you....
That's exactly what I've been trying to say for the last two days, but I've been getting my butt chewed out by Dunno?????? But I do know that I agree 100% with what you're saying. CI's need to have proper documentation to fail a student, a lot of times students get put on probation but they won't tell you that, they'll just blame the instructors.
That's exactly what I've been trying to say for the last two days, but I've been getting my butt chewed out by Dunno?????? But I do know that I agree 100% with what you're saying. CI's need to have proper documentation to fail a student, a lot of times students get put on probation but they won't tell you that, they'll just blame the instructors.
I have to agree and the two students I had clinicals with that failed because of their clinical performances absolutely needed to be held back. I've had 8 different clinical instructors and I only disliked one although I learned a ton from her so no complaints but my point is that none of the 8 I have had gave me any indication that they were out to fail anyone and in fact there a couple more students that I would have given the axe to if I was the teacher. I feel my instructors really worked hard to be supportive and help us mature into great nurses.
Hey, here's another thought.......it is inappropriate for your friend to ask you to help fight her fight. Would YOU go to others and ask this of them? This is between your friend and the administrators. Grades are really none of anyone else's business (even though we all know how everyone is doing).
Good luck, and be strong. You cannot help her in this situation, and it's not your place to do so.
I have to agree and the two students I had clinicals with that failed because of their clinical performances absolutely needed to be held back. I've had 8 different clinical instructors and I only disliked one although I learned a ton from her so no complaints but my point is that none of the 8 I have had gave me any indication that they were out to fail anyone and in fact there a couple more students that I would have given the axe to if I was the teacher. I feel my instructors really worked hard to be supportive and help us mature into great nurses.
Glad to see most of you agree with this situation. I have also had many different clinical instructors, I'm going into my 4th semester and sometimes it's not easy. I agree that instructors are not out to get you, they want us to succeed, you have to be safe and prepared, bottom line. I've seen students not being prepared for clinicals, ultimately they fail, but who do they blame? Of course the clinical instructor instead of owning up to their mistakes.
Hey, here's another thought.......it is inappropriate for your friend to ask you to help fight her fight. Would YOU go to others and ask this of them? This is between your friend and the administrators. Grades are really none of anyone else's business (even though we all know how everyone is doing).
Good luck, and be strong. You cannot help her in this situation, and it's not your place to do so.
This is so true. By one getting involved it can fall back on you. This is all good advice.
Even IF the instructor was wrong, in my experience it is really difficult to challenge and win. It seems that due to a shortage of instructors, most admins will need to see some really good facts to side with the student. But that is just my experience.
NoviceRN10
901 Posts
I agree, support your friend behind the scenes but keep yourself out of her situation. You have too much to lose by getting involved in her fight.