need some help - instructor issues

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2006

I understand your apprehension, but also that you want to do things correctly. Could you take your APA citation reference to the instructor and look over the differences together? You might be able to approach it from the "for future reference" standpoint. It would bring it to the attention of the instructor in a non-confrontational way, more from the perspective that you are interested in learning. Maybe your group is using a more current version than your instructor. If the instructor "recogizes" this his or herself, it might alleviate a fight and yet allow you to have the correct documention. I've used this strategy with success in several different environments(although occasionally there is a person that it seems like nothing works well with:().

SimpleGal · Nov 25, 2006

OMG-I am having the EXACT same issue!! I have been writing APA for 2 years and getting A's on all my papers. I have never had this issue before with any instructor. I will say when I confronted mine and showed her the APA manual, she simply rolled her eyes and said that was the way she wanted the paper done. I have decided to just do what she says since she is the one grading. I wish she would have at least owned up to being wrong about the APA guidelines, but not all professors are as humble as we would like them to be. For me, my nursing program has been a nightmare and has really made me question nursing altogether. I keep telling myself just get through it and see how the "real world of nursing" is. Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope it helps to know you are NOT alone. Makes me wonder if we are talking about the same instructor!! :stone

wildmountainchild · Nov 25, 2006

I feel badly for you both. How horrible.

The advice given previously is right on. If you haven't already shown her the APA manual, do it. APA changes as technology changes so she may indeed have an older text. If you feel very strongly about the issue I would go up the food chain.

You are paying good money, and it isn't to be taught incorrect APA format. What else about the program is making you feel disheartened?

Try to hang in there. You will regret it if you quit now. This too shall pass. Nest semester will likely be better. Maybe you can avoid this particular professor. I would just hate to see anyone quit when the issue is the professor and not the career.

Tell us more about the issue and maybe we can offer better advice.

Good luck.

AuntieRN · Nov 25, 2006

Yall sound like you have the same professor I had this summer. I feel sorry for you. I wish I had some advice. I am not sure how I made it through that class much less be able to help someone else out. But, I wanted to show some support. Good luck!!!

BSNtobe2009 · Nov 25, 2006

This is what I have done when a professor has had a "God complex":

If you have an APA manual, find in your manual where your professor made the error. All of them. Set up office time with her and say, "I got the paper back that you graded, and I really appreciate the corrections you made, but I am confused...my APA manual shows that it's supposed to be done this way and I'm curious if you can help me in understanding what the differences are between the corrections you made and what the APA manual says."

That way you are "busting" her and letting her wipe the egg off her face, because she is not going to be able to give you an explanation other than admitting she made an error.

APA is very clear, that's what I like about it. It's very black and white.