I Might Fail Clinical the Day Before Graduation!

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Last week my teacher wrote me up for leaving a patient's bed elevated and said that she doesn't want to pass me due to that along with my being easily flustered during my first week. The write-up I understand and accept but I don't really agree that my disorientation in the first week warrants being a contributing factor to an unsatisfactory grade. The facility didnt have a computer we could use, any vitals machines we could use, and most of the staff clearly didn't want us there (most of them couldn't even speak much english). My lecture final exam is tomorrow (Monday), my last clinical days are Wednesday and Thursday and the classes pinning ceremony is on Friday. I am so terrified that even if my class final goes well (I'm nearly at a 4.0) I will fail the night before the graduation ceremony since my teacher has expressed that if I make a single mistake this week, she will fail me. Its been eating away at me all day every day. I've barely eaten, I can't sleep, and trying to concentrate on studying for the final exam is painfully arduous. I don't know what to do!

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You better relax enough to perform or she will get what she wants by default.

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I know! If I don't relax I'll be too anxious, if I relax too much I might get careless! AHH!

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Concentrate on preparing for the task at hand rather than how you feel about the entire situation.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.
Last week my teacher wrote me up for leaving a patient's bed elevated and said that she doesn't want to pass me due to that along with my being easily flustered during my first week. The write-up I understand and accept but I don't really agree that my disorientation in the first week warrants being a contributing factor to an unsatisfactory grade. The facility didn't have a computer we could use, any vitals machines we could use, and most of the staff clearly didn't want us there (most of them couldn't even speak much english). My lecture final exam is tomorrow (Monday), my last clinical days are Wednesday and Thursday and the classes pinning ceremony is on Friday. I am so terrified that even if my class final goes well (I'm nearly at a 4.0) I will fail the night before the graduation ceremony since my teacher has expressed that if I make a single mistake this week, she will fail me. Its been eating away at me all day every day. I've barely eaten, I can't sleep, and trying to concentrate on studying for the final exam is painfully arduous. I don't know what to do!

Having your instructor threaten to fail you days before graduation means she was very frustrated with your performance or having a bad day and not being entirely professional, certainly not supportive.

Either way, she holds the power. If it were me, I'd meet with her before clinical and:

Completely take responsibility for unsafe practice (leaving a bed in high position). No talk at all of other people, lack of equipment, or other people.

Explain how you plan to concentrate and focus (you will make a list, perform a mental time-out, whatever).

Ask if there's anything else you should be mindful of these last two days during clinicals.

Thank her for her input and impress on her that you are 100% committed to improving your practice and being the best nurse you can be.

Check in with her during the day and after clinicals. Best wishes.

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