How to handle an unfair grading policy?

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I was in my 3rd semester of a nursing program; OB/Peds combined. To begin with, the professors were not teaching us properly. for OB, she never gave us a syllabus or reading list and would walk into class & ask us what she was teaching, and didn't know half the topics on the powerpoints.

the 2nd professor wrote her own tests based off of her lectures, never touched the book,(just simple recall questions, not even NCLEX based.)and stated "she wasn't teaching us to pass the HESI, but for the real world". Our entire class hinges on passing the HESI Maternity/Peds with an 850; 2 chances. If we don't pass it, we fail the entire course.

I admitted my own downfall in my studies; I was laid off from my job, with being owed 4K, a month and a half before the HESI. The complete stress of trying to find work and make sure my car wasn't repossessed really got to me. I made an 800 on 1st attempt, 736 on 2nd attempt.

My MAIN issue, is 1st attempt 36 out of 40 failed. The 2nd attempt, 14 out of 40 failed(some cheated. cameras were never checked even though it was stated they did). When the director asked me what I thought my downfall was, I didn't complain about the professors, I took my responsibility for my lack of focus.

It turns out, 3 men and 1 pregnant female were allowed to move on to the next semester. They don't have to repeat, or even retake the HESI. Us 10 women, some of us who even though we failed still were closer to the benchmark than those 4(we all compared scores), have to repeat the course and pay $1000.00 extra.

We complained about it, and she then called us on the phone individually to threaten us with expulsion without providing any evidence showing that we even did anything wrong...as well as sent an email stating "i've changed my mind, all those who failed have to repeat the class. Anyone who complains will be removed from the program. You 4 I'm sorry you were so close, you can place full blame on your classmates"

Next class, she takes all of us aside..only 1 out of the 4 who were passed on, had come to the repeat OB class. In the middle of lecturing us about "being professional and empathetic", and again blaming us for her decision to hold those 4 back, she turned to the 1 man and stated "On second thought, you can leave. you don't have to repeat, I'm sticking to my original decision with you". He even objected, stated he would repeat and she told him again to leave.

I'm honestly so fed up. I failed at my old school, in Med Surg due to the death of my dad 2 days before finals, picked myself up, studied HARD, and passed 2nd time around.. transferred to this school, made my A's for Psych, and even A's in OB and Peds, only to fall short again, tried to pick myself back up..and to be slapped in the face like this...

When you're told on the phone that "you are unempathetic and how dare you complain, and make grown men and a pregnant woman cry because they now have to repeat. You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself and I question whether you even deserve to be a nurse"...it's just demeaning and a slap in the face because you dare to fight for equal standards.

Just send some encouraging words please..I've already decided to withdraw entirely not only over this, but over the financial situation (still not on my feet, only just started working middle of May ? )

0 Votes
Specializes in Clinical Leadership, Staff Development, Education.

Someone very wise once told me "there are always options". Finding options, for me, usually starts with determining what I can control and what I can't. Give yourself credit for what you have accomplished and make a plan for moving forward.

1 Votes

thank you for your reply. While I have decided to move on..I am pursuing legal action against the school after meeting with an education lawyer in the area.

I am trying to make plans to move forward now, thank you.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You need to ask yourself what the goal is. A lawsuit will be just another distraction that will keep you from your goal. You have already seen that stress derails your focus. I strongly advise you to reconsider. Suing the school that you need far more than it needs you is not going to have a good outcome for you. You were already dismissed from another school. Between that and your lawsuit I can promise you no other school will give you another chance.

The fairness of it is not here or there at this point. Even if you win you are going to lose. Big time.

1 Votes

Hello not.done.yet,

I transferred from my first school in good standing; I passed the class I had failed & transferred simply because I needed to work.

I've decided whether it effects my ability to continue in nursing is a risk I will take. I have my former cafeer to fall back on.

I do appreciate your reply!!

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