Instructor asked if I can keep up during the test!

[basketcase]

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.

[basketcase]

Thank you for all the replies! I am not the type of student to rock the boat and go running to the Dean about her comment. When my classmate suggested reporting her, I just laughed because I did not want to be a target.....she is quite menopausal. I was just angry she commented while I was testing and did not wait until I turned the test in.

This is not my first degree. I know how many hoops some programs make you jump through and I am ready. I just thought this was so rude!!

Thanks for the support.

[vashtee, RN]

You may need to develop a thicker skin to get through nursing school and to work in the hospital. That comment would have only warranted a 2 out of 10 on my annoyance scale, and there are plenty of patients, doctors, and even nurses who will be nastier.

[DaveCRNA]

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.

I agree, just let the instructor know you are using your time because you have it.

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.

I agree, we have to learn to resolve conflict without escalating the situation. I agree with Kevin, we all need to be able to address situations that are inappropriate. This can be very difficult in situations where the perceived power lies in the hand of someone other than ourselves.

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.

jls, I believe you advocated speaking up in the first quote, didn't you??

Now I have to say something about the remainder of this post. Saying it's no big deal because she might have some type of appointment, pms, etc...just cannot fly.

Here's why from my perspective...

This is a professional nurse in a vital nursing function. She is responsible for the education of the future of our profession. Her actions speak to students and represent nursing as a whole. She needs to represent nursing as the professional that she is. We all learn therapeutic communication in nursing school. It's hard to think before you talk, but we have to! (I know, I know, we're all human and all have bad days)

Do you think I could get away with trying to hurry up a patient on a walk because I want to give report a little early??? Just some food for thought...

No matter, I feel we all really want the same things. The OP needs to learn when to speak up and when to let it roll of the back. It is a fine line to walk, that does get much easier with time.

This post is not meant to disparage anyone, just to inspire introspection and healthy discussion.

[RNKel, ASN, RN]

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.

---------------

Don't you get 6 hours to do the NCLEX???

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

I advocated a nonchalant, matter of fact response to the teacher's strange comment. I certainly didn't recommend going above the teacher's head and complaining to the dean of the school! I think that's totally out of proportion to the situation.

[DaveCRNA]

I completely agree, no running to higher ups, tiny little issues like this can be addressed directly with little effort.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I think she didn't expect that anyone would actually take all of the allocated time.

You're over-reacting.

:)

[uscstu4lfe]

If you are the last person testing with only 10 minutes left, then I think her concerns are legitimate. I don't think it's appropriate to tell the head of anything about this as it doesn't warrant it. Like someone mentioned here earlier, she probably had a hair appointment to get to. A girl's got to get her hair did

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

I would have put a puzzled look on my face as I looked at the clock and said to the instructor, "I thought you said we had 120 minutes to work on the test? I intended to use all 120 minutes. Oh, I have 10 more minutes I could have used."

Getting angry only lets her know she got the better of you. Never let a catty person like that see that they intimidated you.

[justme1972]

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

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.

It shows a lack of respect and a lack of being able to maintain control.

Instructors keep forgetting that they are not Kindergarten teachers, that they teach legal adults. If they want to "raise" professionals, then they need to set an example.

I have absolutely no respect for an instructor who has no respect for me because I am ALWAYS respectful to them.

None.

If the instructor carries that type of biased...then she has chosen the wrong profession.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

Hopeful, you don't have to respect everyone with whom you work, but I wouldn't make a habit of reporting people to higher ups for random, ill thought out remarks. Just because this particular teacher made a dumb comment doesn't warrant making a federal case out of it. There is a time and place to let things roll off your back instead of going to war.

Nursing school, in many ways, mimics real life nursing. You will run into some abrasive people who shoot off the mouth in nursing. Saying that they have "chosen the wrong profession" is a hasty judgment in my opinion.

[goodstudentnowRN]

I would answer her question in a very calm manner as usual. These instructors nowadays like to feel like little Gods. I try not to indulge in petty conversation with them and I do my work as best as I can. Most of my instructors are younger than I am and one in particular tend to be very petty and has many moods. I simply ignore this person and do what I am told to do. God is good and he will find a way to ease the torture. I have been calling on God to just put me through since I have 4 classes to go.