Need some advice about what to do!

[student5063]

Hi, I recently failed by 0.5 points out of Nursing IV. I was in 1 out of 3 classes at a community college. 2 of the classes (day and evening) had the same exams throughout the semester. My Professor, however, was allowed to write her own separate exams for my class. She was also allowed to put essays on the exams, which were subjective. We did not know what they would be about, or what she expected within the answers, no length, or instructions were given. My professor, no matter how many times I spoke to her about it, always took points off of my grades because she didn't like what I wrote. Is there anything I can do about this? I spoke to the dean, and was told that they "worked together for years and this professor's opinion is valued", so there was nothing they would do.

Also, according to their handbook, if you are unsuccessful in nursing 274, you automatically get an incomplete for nursing 275, even though I attained an A in that class!! They gave me an incomplete and are telling me that I have to pay again and repeat that class, because it has to passed at the same exact time as nursing 274. I don't know what to do, but I don't see how any of this is fair!! I'm also not sure if it's worth pursuing because I need to get back in next semester and finish nursing school!

Any ideas or thoughts, advice would be much appreciated!

[Boxer Mama]

In my nursing school, teachers of the same course are not required to give the same test and could have different formats. In my one of my classes, we were not given study guides or told in advance what would be on the tests and were expected to know the material from lecture and from reading the book. There were times we disagreed with the answers, but in the end it was up to the professor to decide what she felt was the correct answer and most of the time went with her original answer. Also, administration will support their teacher and their grading of the tests. That is just the way it is, and I am telling you this so that you know that this is not a unique situation. In our school, in our classes that have a lab/lecture section that is all or nothing - either you pass/fail both. Only you know whether or not nursing school is worth it to take the course again. I know a couple of students this happened to and they decided to repeat the course, which I have told them I have so much respect for them for coming back and repeating the course. Good luck in whatever decision you make!

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

If you want to graduate from their program, you're going to have to play by their rules. The fact that you came close to passing suggests you have a good change at passing next time. And as for retaking the class you did pass ...try to see the positive in it. Classes go by so fast that most people don't seem to get it all- even when they do well. Maybe your understanding well deepen the second time around?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I don't know what the difference is between 274 and 275, but if one is, say, lecture and one is the associated clinical, then that's your answer. If the handbook says this is the way it is, then that's the way it is, and you can't say you weren't warned.

If you have difficulty with a particular professor's format, you might consider having a weekly standing appt with that professor to be sure you're clear on his/her thought processes and expectations. Time well-spent.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Short answer because the responses are excellent-repeat the class and pass the second time around.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

My Professor, however, was allowed to write her own separate exams for my class.

Why wouldn't she be allowed to? It is HER class, therefore HER exam.

[ThatBigGuy]

You should probably see if you can sign up with a different professor next semester. Some people just don't do well with essay questions, but others probably excelled. You may just need a fresh face teaching you the info, and a test with less essay questions.