It's hard losing classmates...

[SopranoKris]

I just found out today that a good friend was dismissed from our program for failing sterile technique. I feel awful for this person because I know how hard they worked to get in.

The shock was that this person is a stellar academic student. Has made an A on both our exams so far. I just feel terrible that this one issue ended it.

It's so hard to see classmates leave I didn't think it would be so hard. But when someone sits next to you each day, it really hits home when they're not there. So sad!

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

To trishmsn & jaykalkyn: yes, I know for sure this is what this person was dismissed for. They showed me the letter. That was the only reason given. The rules of the program state you have to have a 76% or better in each component of the course (or a pass in a pass/fail category). Since sterile technique was pass/fail, the failure eliminated this person from the program. They cited our handbook in the letter. We had a few people fail out last semester that we know weren't good students. Their version of what happened and what actually happened were drastically different. However, in this instance, there's no spin to it. All we can do is see what the administration does with the appeal. I really hope they give this person another chance!

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

While it's never "nice" to lose classmates, each program has their own standards that their students must pass in order to graduate. When it's a pass/fail thing, usually (but not always) they allow several re-attempts. I would be shocked if the failure and subsequent dismissal was a single test resulting in failure instead of multiple attempts at that critical pass/fail skill that resulted in dismissal because every attempt was a fail.

[sjalv]

I think it is strange that your friend was dismissed solely for failing (I assume a skill check off) for sterile technique. This is a skill that can be learnt with practice and should not determine whether or not someone can be a nurse. If your instructors wanted that student to succeed, they would have told him what he did wrong and educated him, gave him some time to practice, and demonstrate it again. I think that is what school is about and I am sure some people will disagree with me.

[ChristinaF]

I am in my last semester now, I remember a couple of classmates being kicked out for this exact reason. It was a pass or fail. so this is not that unusual. it is sad but rules are rules and this is why we need to put that little extra time to practice things like this to perfection before having to do it in front of the instructors. I know that I practiced the sterile technique until I could do it in my sleep, take no chances.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

That's true akulahawk.

[NuGuyNurse2b]

I saw a former classmate at Costco who also didn't make it to the current semester, I knew she was too embarrassed to say hi so we just kept it moving. It reminded me of this thread.

[lilredrunner]

I started my RN program with 27 in our class. Right now, we're at 20 in our last semester, and that's with a few people injected into the second year as LPN students. It's tough to see them go, because it's so high stakes, and everything rides on those passes and fails.. I can't imagine not being able to finish after so much work.

And that stupid 77%.. I hate that percentage now, haha.

[Nolli]

I have seen numerous people fail. It sucks. All of them failed high percentage exams and were removed after failing two courses. Two tried so hard, but just couldn't make the grades the third lost someone in a tragic accident and bombed both exams the morning after. The third one killed it for me more than the others did. I thought maybe they would allow her to repeat the tests or at least the courses considering the circumstances, we are after all supposed to be the profession of caring and compassion.

[sharpeimom]

The reason may have been the third warning. That's how it works at the university where my husband teaches. Students usually hedge about why they were dismissed from any program. A dismissal letter often does not list the oral warnings or the first two written warnings given. Rather, only the last one is listed since the student, the registrar's office, and the office of nursing department, all have copies of the letters and warnings.

Dismissing a student is not something a university or college does lightly because today's students are so sue happy. I'm sorry your friend was dropped from the program, but there is most certainly more to the story than you know.

[sjalv]

I saw a former classmate at Costco who also didn't make it to the current semester, I knew she was too embarrassed to say hi so we just kept it moving. It reminded me of this thread.

I was shadowing an RT for my Respiratory clinical day, and when we went to the ICU to do vent checks, I saw a former classmate who hadn't made it to the next semester working as an ICU tech. We said hi to each other and she asked how I was doing in school, but it was still really awkward because she would have been doing clinicals with me if she had made it, but instead she was there as an employee and not in school.

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

Yep, especially if they are your study buddies, lost 4 of them this past 2nd semester. Hurts both you and your friends, but time will move and and everyone will move forward with a positive note. The 4 that didn't pass are coming back ever so determined this semester so I'll be seeing them around the building every week. Just be there and support each other!

[RNtobe556]

half way in I have lost only 2 completely different reasons very sad. I just try to think positive throughout this whole thing.