Late for exam

allnurses Guide · Jul 16, 2012

You did at least show up, I would think that they would allow some way to retake the exam. Life happens.

QuarterLife88, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 16, 2012

I'm really sorry that happened to you. At my school at least, you would still be able to take the exam, but would be deducted by 10%.

Normally I would say, "too bad, out of luck" but I feel sorry for you with everything else going on. I would appeal to the instructor. You never know unless you try. Perhaps ask if you can take the exam, but maybe a harder one made up by the instructor, or they can automatically deduct a % of points as a penalty so that it's more fair. At least this way you have some points counted towards that exam.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2012

I'm sorry you're going through so many personal conflicts. That can't make balancing school work very easy. :hug:

Unfortunately, everyone is going through something during school at one time or another. The majority of nursing students are also struggling with financial responsibilities, trying to balance school and work, and have conflicts with family members. My school policy would be the same as yours- unless you provide notice for being late, you cannot make up the exam. Even if you have a good excuse (and misreading the syllabus would not be a good excuse). Every reason that you listed has an even better counter-reason. Sleepiness- why were you looking up the time of the test just that morning when you had the syllabus all semester? Since the other students had already seen the exam, you very easily could have learned the questions and had an unfair advantage. (I know you didn't do this, but some student might have thought they were being clever by teaming up with another classmate to cheat.) You've also now had extra time to review, which also gives you an unfair advantage.

I don't really ever suggest emailing the director/dean and asking for an exception- especially when the mistake was entirely the fault of the student. Besides, the director will have to follow school policy or defer to the instructor. I doubt the instructor would be pleased that you tried to go over her head to the director when she had already told you that you could not make up the test.

But I would suggest meeting with your instructor, apologizing, and explaining that you know you cannot fairly make up the test. Then ask if you can go any additional assignments, papers, or projects for extra points. It's possible she will be willing to work with you to let you make up some points in extra areas. I don't suggest making excuses or giving her the whole story of all you're going through. Like I said, many other students are going through similar things- the instructor needs to hold all the students to the same level of accountability.

I am sorry for your situation. I'm sure it's very stressful and frightening. Your instructor will respect you more if you simply admit that you made a mistake and don't try to offer any excuses (because there aren't any). She will be more likely to work with you if you accept responsibility in an adult manner and don't sell a sob story or beg for another chance from the director. If you are feeling depressed and lacking family support, you should really looking into counseling resources. Most colleges offer free counseling services to their students. Take advantage of them, for your own health. Good luck.

catebsn25 · Jul 16, 2012

I have been there and unfortunately had to repeat the course... I would talk to your instructor to see about make up work, and if that isn't possible continue this semester and study your butt off. You never know, you could pull it off! And if you have to retake it anyways in the end, next semester you will do great because you have already learned the material. Don't beat yourself up too much, everyone makes mistakes or oversleeps sometimes. Don't give up yet!

coco.nut · Jul 16, 2012

This is my biggest fear in NS. Nursing school has too much to keep up with date-wise, then add in the rest of life...

I started using Google calendar when I started NS. As soon as I get my syllabus I put everything in along with all my non-NS stuff. You can set it to send an email and/or text ahead of time, so sometimes I set it for a day ahead, 2 hours ahead, etc depending. It has helped tremendously, it is one less gigantic thing to worry about :rolleyes:

I would ask your instructor if there is anything you can do that would give you some extra points. Don't explain that you've been dealing with familial problems and stress lately. Approach it it taking full responsibility and admitting you made a mistake. If they ask about the circumstances then explain. I have seen people using both approaches and it is ALWAYS the one's who say "I made a mistake" and don't try to justify it who are more likely to receive leniency/sympathy.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2012

i'm surprised they didn't at least let you work on it for the remaining class time--

i agree, ask for extra credit work to demonstrate that you know the material and want to make up for your error, which you will never make again. can't hurt to ask.

see if there's a tech school around that would do your repairs as a "clinical" for the cost of the materials-- or maybe they even have the materials. win-win.

blackandyellow · Jul 17, 2012

My school has the same policy. I took care of a sick family member who was dying the day I had 3 tests. I'll never forget emailing my instructors from my phone at 4 am explaining why I would not be there to take the test. My family was looking at me like I had 10 heads. My school is very strict and if I didn't email them prior to the tests I would have failed regardless that I was busy giving morphine to a dying relative. Another girl I go to school with her husband had a heart attack the night of a test, she failed to email her teacher and they gave her a zero on the test.

My advice would be to talk to your instructor and explain to her your concerns. She most likely will not bend the rules but maybe there will be some extra credit or she may be able to help tutor you so you score higher on your exams. I am sorry this happened to you, that's always been a big fear of mine that I would miss an exam. Don't give up! I remember my second semester I needed a 95 on a final and a test to pass. I thought I couldn't do it but was determined to give it my all and I ended up getting those 95's. Good luck!

lovedijah · Jul 18, 2012

This situation sucks. I would suggest you go speak with the instructor. Remember you attract bees with honey. "Hello. I am very sorry for missing the test. I should have been more organized. I recently got a Calender to write things down so it is easier to visualize. This is no excuse but I missed the test because......... Would you consider letting me take the test, even if it meant you reduced my score for testing late". The most she can say is No. At that point, just try to hang in there and do your best. Maybe she will have a change of heart come finals. A long shot, but what else can you do?

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2012

I would be devastated but I definitely would try to calmly discuss it with the instructor in private. There is always a possibility she might work with you and give you the chance to take it, even at a reduced grade. It certainly can't make things any worse and can possibly help so you don't have anything to lose at this point.