Feeling guilty

[crazytonurse]

So before spring break we took our A&P2 test on the heart, circulatory and lymphatic systems. I knew the material inside and out, and my professor knows this as well however he also knows that I am ADHD and I refuse accommodations. I usually get high B's on the tests. So he posted our test grades over spring break and I got an A barely but still an A. I was so excited, that was until I went to get my scantron printout and go over the questions I got wrong ( I do this after every test and he has become used to it.) So I pick up my printout today and go over to the table in the hallway to go over the test. I realize at that point I missed way to many to have a C let alone an A. I didn't ask him about the grade as he was busy. As I was leaving his building we pass in the hallway and he said did you go over what you needed to? and I said yea in passing and left. I don't know what to do. I know I didn't deserve the A because I did miss way to many, however everyone is telling me to leave it alone and be thankful. But on the other hand I am still not so sure. I want to make sure I get the grade I earned, but this my last pre-req to get in the program and I have already applied. What would you do? Please no bashing, I feel bad enough.

[LindseySmith]

When I took A&P my professor told us that if she made a mistake in grading, then to just go with it. I never had that issue, but she made it clear when discussing the syllabus that it could happen, and if it did, good for whoever she gave the better grade to!!

[moma8gma1]

Like LindseySmith's prof said: "go with it." My prof's policy/statement about a "mistake" in grading: "bank error in your favor!" ;-)

I had this situation happen to me recently. I thought I'd just totally tanked a test, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was one of my best exams! As classmate after classmate asked for answers to various questions, I noticed that my answers, which were not marked wrong, were NOT the answers he was giving. Hmmm...my heart started to sink. I turned to the essay questions. One place where there were 6 steps needed to be listed, I'd only been able to remember 4, yet he gave me full credit. Hmmm... A class or two before the exam, I asked our prof about how to gauge what our final grade would be, because our final drop date is approaching, and in my area, if you earn a C, then: 1) no nursing program will accept you, and 2) you can't retake the class in our community college district. I was a low B before the exam, and a poor grade would mean I'd be forced to drop the class (if I was at all serious about applying to nursing schools.) And if I earned a C, it was all over for me.

After reflecting on all of this, I realized that my prof thinks I'd be a great nurse, and he didn't want one bad exam to derail my path towards that.

I'm older (48), the mom of many children, and my days are full parenting and shuttling my kids around to their schools and activities. I think he admired that I'd given my adulthood to be at home, raising my children. Let it be known that the nurses who attended me during my many births, have truly been my heroes. I hope to be that to others. :)

After I realized his grading "mistake" on this last test was nothing of the sort, I have upped my game and am now studying more than ever. I owe that to him for believing in me.

You, too, should take what you've been given, and make your teacher proud. That is my plan, anyway.

[tonyarita]

He probably graded on a curve or gave extra credit. That happens in my A&PI class, she gives us an opportunity to have extra credit but then it always helps to have those extras that can assist you in getting a good grade...especially if you work hard and just forget a few. Don't be too hard on yourself - do what you feel is right. If it's an honest A, it won't hurt to ask him! If it was a mistake or 'give' on his part, then you will be the better person for being honest and speaking up.

The only one who is ultimately responsible for your education is YOU! Great job either way

Tonya

[crazytonurse]

Thanks for sharing stories and encouragement I appreciate it. I figure I would update. I did not feel right or comfortable with my test grade of an A so I met with him in his office to not only discuss that but get help on the renal system. When I mentioned the large difference between the scantron printout and his calculation of my grade, he interrupted me and said " I know, there should be and leave it at that". So I thanked him and left. I have another test on Friday on respiratory, renal, digestive and metabolism and you better believe that I have been studying my butt off!

[moma8gma1]

Ah! Now you have it from him, that he'd like you to just keep what he gave you. Yeay!

You know, our teachers aren't stupid, they meet a LOT of students, and I'm guessing after years of teaching, they can easily spot the ones who will end up being successful on their journey to careers in the health care field. It is unfortunate that at this time, nursing programs are extremely impacted and it is very difficult to get a spot. Just because someone can earn all A's doesn't mean they'd automatically be a great nurse. It is good to get the best grades possible, don't get me wrong, but there is more that goes into being an effective nurse. I'm imagining a good nurse needs common sense, determination, dedication to his/her patients and a warm/comforting bedside manner, among other things. (Ever met a doc with NO bedside manner? I have! ICK!)

So... I'll bet your teacher sees a great nurse in you, and is trying to help you aloing so you don't get tripped up by one mis-step of a test.

Good luck to you -- now go forth and confirm your teacher's hunch about you! :)

[templeknight7]

You know the answer to your dilemma, of course you must be honest, a) you cannot allow yourself to build a career on a lie, b) If your dishonesty is discovered before you own up, it will be much worse, c) Nursing is all about communication and trust.