I broke my wrist - Can Nursing School Director force me to withdraw from school?

Chrispy11, ASN, RN · Oct 5, 2018

I broke a rib while in school and had to get a doctor's note before they allowed me to attend clinicals. One miss required a huge assignment. Two misses you needed to speak with the department about extenuating circumstances. Three was an automatic fail. I sounds like they might be asking you to withdraw from the semester so you don't fail since you need to pass both the clinical and classroom portion in order to move on. Ask if you would be reinstated in the next semester. This is what happened to one of my classmates that injured herself

amoLucia · Oct 7, 2018

As a student, you are covering classroom studies and clinicals or practicums. I don't see where classroom be causing any problem.

However if there is any hands-on, clinical dexterity and INFECTION CONTROL issues are problematic. Nsg lab skills, pt care and even other skills like dissecting the A&P 'lab cat' are jeopardized. For chem lab, too.

It's safety and liability issues also. Not to be taken lightly.

There's only just so much that can be 'graced' in most classes. So that may well be the rational behind your Dean's stance.

I don't really know if you're talking about a full program withdrawal or just a leave of absence. Makes a difference. So I'd be sure I understoood which was applicable.

Even working nurses with a broken hand, arm or leg usually go out on short term disability (unless it was on-the-job, for which the facility must make accommodations).

I'm a southpaw and there's no way I could see myself tryng to perform clinical skills.

Good luck to OP.

EDTA: Remember if you're thinking of attending an off-campus clinical site, they might prohibit you from attending for the safety & IC issues. Their prerogative.

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · Oct 8, 2018

Hello Lorie

I am a nursing student and the director is forcing me to withdraw from the program because I broke my left wrist and it is in a cast for four weeks. Can I apply for a grievance and stay in the program? I am a straight A student
Dear broken wrist,
I am sorry that this is happening to you. You would have to review the school contract as well as their policies and procedures to see if they are following them by requiring you to withdraw due to an injury.
You may even want to seek the assistance of an attorney who works in the area of school law to see if you have any recourse.
Good luck. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Lorie

You have the same legal protections for a short-term disability as someone with a long-term disability. I have seen a medical student that had only one hand.

So it depends on what you asked for...there are many things you can do with one hand with some assistance....the point is the knowledge. Other than vital signs there were very few technical skills I could perform independently as a new grad RN. Did you ask to be off until you heal or are you still willing to do what you can?

Any attorney is going to want $250/hr and I feel is most likely unnecessary. Current laws protect you and sometimes it's just a matter of being aware you know them.

Persephone Paige, ADN · Nov 12, 2018

When I was in school, unforeseen circumstances simply required a break from the semester, not the entire program. It can be a pain with regard to financial aid, but many did it and had no problems. They didn't lose their spot, they just graduated one semester behind when they were originally projected to. It might also have to do with their liability.