Instructor asked if I can keep up during the test!

Published

While taking our midterm exam, we were given approximately 120 minutes for a 100 question test. I took my time and felt comfortable with my testing speed. If we are given the time, I am not going to rush. I was the last one in the room and 10 minutes before the end of the test, the instructor asked me if I thought I would be able to keep up in the next section of nursing classes because we would have less time for testing. Imagine, I have not even finished my timed test and she is questioning me about my ability. I was so angry, it was very difficult to complete the exam. I mentioned this to a few students and they felt I should contact the head of the program. I just feel it was very poor judgement on her part. Should I be concerned about being the last one done as long as it is with in the allowed time? I have a 3.8 on the 4.0 scale.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

While I don't think it was the right time or place to ask you this question (since you still had 10 minutes left to finish the test) I don't think she meant any harm by the question. Most schools give the one minute per ? type test. To have 120 minutes and you were the last one with only 10 minutes left, she might have thought you need to pick up the pace with answering questions.

Was it poor judgement asking you that during your testing time..yes. Will going to the head of the department do anything beside maybe putting a target on your back..doubtful.

I'd let it roll off your back. Don't let it bother you. If you normally can complete a test thats giving a 1 minute/question rate and you do well (a 3.8 is doing REALLY well), I honestly don't see a reason to slow your pace down. The NCLEX is a timed test, and going slowly because you have X amount of minutes to do it isn't a good stragedy, you might need more time to "prove" yourself to the computer and if you are taking a long time one each question, you might run out of time.

I wouldn't worry about being the last one finished taking the test as long as you are finishing the test in the alloted time and not rushing to finish answering questions at the end without really reading them, with decent grades. But I would answer the questions as quickly as you can while still getting the answers correct.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

not at all! I have 3 women in my class who take the full 3 hours to take the test every time! The instructor should not have said that and i can see why it make you unsure while taking the midterm.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

You could tell her that you were taking your time on this test because of the generous amount allotted. If there is less allotted on the next test, then you will certainly finish more quickly!

Be matter of fact about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wouldn't worry about it...some people don't think before they speak...even teachers. Unless you looked like you were struggling there was no need for her to comment...:twocents:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, Basketcase,

If you finished a 100 question test in 110 minutes comfortably, I think you are doing ok. Some teachers allow you the extra few minutes, some don't. I think it is really tough to do some tests 1 question/minute, and I have run into some trouble on some of the tests. But, if you are just reviewing your answers because you were given the extra time, or just paced yourself slow because of the extra time, don't worry about it.

As for complaining, I'd be careful. Also, you have to take into consideration which instructor made this comment to you. Some of them really have your best interest in mind, and those instructors will contact you personally and privately in an appropriate time. Other instructors may just blurt things out.

Just tell yourself that this is all part of the process, let your skin get just a little bit thicker, and forget about it. That's my :twocents:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Tele, Internal Med PCU.

We, as a society, have to learn to handle things at the lowest level. If it bothers you, you should take it up with her first. You don't have to be confrontational, you could simply advise her that you had set your pace as slow and deliberate to avoid foolish mistakes and this is the method you've used to maintain your high grades throughout school. Ask (don't tell) her to respect the testing pace of all students by minimizing distractions during the testing time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I think the idea of confronting the teacher over this comment it absurd, no offense. She probably just wanted to get out of there, maybe she had an appointment with her hairdresser, her kid was home sick, or she wanted to get to the gym. She perhaps had a sudden fit of annoyance, exacerbated by PMS or low blood sugar.

In short, she made an impulsive comment that probably didn't mean much. I wouldn't make a mountain out of a molehill.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I really wished they would start doing a thorough, psychiatric background on instructors in nursing school so nuts like this can't break out of whatever cage they were kept in before they woke up one morning and decided to teach nursing school.

Yes, you should report it.

1 minute per question is THE STANDARD on NCLEX and if you are given less time than that for an exam, and she is threatening you with that, then you need to report that as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

Now the woman is 'nuts' because she made an impulsive comment to a student? :rolleyes:

I think you need to show a pattern of behavior to prove that.

I would definately not run to the dean or nursing program director with something so trivial. You will look like a crackpot.

Now, if during the next unit this intructor seems to target the OP, then that might be another story.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

1 minute per question is THE STANDARD on NCLEX and if you are given less time than that for an exam, and she is threatening you with that, then you need to report that as well.

Where is it written that you have to get a minute per question and if you aren't given that you can report it to TPTB?? I didn't read that the teacher threatened the OP with anything. I did read it as a friendly warning that the next semester they don't give as much time per question for the tests.

As far as I know schools can issue a test with an amount of time that they deem is appropriate for that test.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Tele, Internal Med PCU.
I think the idea of confronting the teacher over this comment it absurd, no offense. She probably just wanted to get out of there, maybe she had an appointment with her hairdresser, her kid was home sick, or she wanted to get to the gym. She perhaps had a sudden fit of annoyance, exacerbated by PMS or low blood sugar.

In short, she made an impulsive comment that probably didn't mean much. I wouldn't make a mountain out of a molehill.

I agree wholeheartedly, it could've been anything. The problem is that the the class was alotted (very generously) 120 minutes and the OP elected to use all or most of that time, the instructor should have properly budgeted her time, and not anticipated that all would be done in 100 minutes.

In my post I stressed not to confront, but to express her test taking method.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment