Totally floored - put on Probation in FNP program? I can't take this anymore!!!!

Specialties NP

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Specializes in primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, NICU.

I'm completely devastated. Yesterday my (new) advisor pulled me out of lab and into her office to tell me I am on "academic probation" because I got a 'C' in a course last Spring. (She's just telling me now?) She told me verbally only. This was the FIRST I had ever heard of it. I read the University policy manual and it says "a certified letter will be sent to inform the student of probation status and outlining the steps that need to be taken to return to Good Standing. The student will have 10 days to appeal." I did not receive any letter last Spring (4 months ago!) or even see one with my advisor when she told me about being on probation. I still have maintained a cumulative GPA above 3.0 which is considered In Good Standing. I am halfway through my FNP/MS program - I don't know if I can take this anymore! They keep changing the rules as they go along and I'm sick of it. For example, an instructor will say "well, it didn't ask in the assignment criteria for you to include this area in your paper, but I'm going to mark you down for it anyway." Or "This is not supposed to be a graded assignment....but I'm counting it as graded." This term (Fall) I currently have straight A's - pretty typical for me, and my performance has also been praised. How can I be on probationary status and also have had no formal notification? The worst thing is that I was told you are never taken OFF probation! If you meet all the requirements (which are supposed to be outlined in the certified letter that I have never received) at graduation, then and only then will your transcript be changed to "In Good Standing." As an aside, this University has been sued 3 times in the last 5 years by students in both the undergrad and grad programs - I'm guessing this type of BS has something to do with it. I need feedback, advice and moral support. Has anyone else experienced this? Thank you for listening.

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sometimes things really suck try and get things that you have to do on paper so that you have something to fall back on if this rears its ugly head again..do what you have to do to get through..be invisable..if you stand up for your rights you may be right but it they have the power they can hurt you

i really don't like people who love their own power

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
I read the University policy manual and it says "a certified letter will be sent to inform the student of probation status and outlining the steps that need to be taken to return to Good Standing. The student will have 10 days to appeal." I did not receive any letter last Spring (4 months ago!) or even see one with my advisor when she told me about being on probation.

*** The university policy manual is a contract. If you have not recieved the certified letter you are not on probation, period, end of story. If they give any problem I would take them to court so fast their head would spin for breach of contract.

I would LOVE to know what university you are talking about. I am in the market for an FNP program and would like to avoid a bad program.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

I would write a letter to the person in charge of the program, listing your concerns and asking for written explanation of the situation. At least that way you have a permanent record.

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When any organization has "rules," it can work both for and against them. While you may lay as low as possible, you can also "cripple" them by making them follow their own rules to the letter. Know what I mean?

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I agree with the reply: If they did not send you the certified letter, then you are not on probation. They can throw around that term it they want to, but I would make it clear (pleasantly) that no such letter was received and they appear to be separating from written policy. You are obviously a conciencious student, so just remember all this frustation will be over soon. Good luck!

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sometimes things really suck try and get things that you have to do on paper so that you have something to fall back on if this rears its ugly head again..do what you have to do to get through..be invisable..if you stand up for your rights you may be right but it they have the power they can hurt you

i really don't like people who love their own power

I agree with Chatsdale. While you are in school you play by their rules.. period. I am sure you know that, from your last nursing program or at the very least, reading other posts. My advice... play the game and graduate.... It makes no sense to me to fight the people who hold your grade, especially when they can test you..ect... and grade you the way they want to.... unless it's all scan-tron but I'm sure it's not. Lay low. If you want to fight...fight after graduation ..... for future students.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Zias - I'm so sorry you are going through this - how frustrating. I know in my MSN and post-MSN courses, you couldn't get a "C" because it wasn't accepted as credit. However, you knew this going in and the rules didn't change. I would at least ask for something in writing addressing the school's concerns and suggested remedy.

For the most part, I do agree about not making waves, but I think in this case, I would want to have something in writing.

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I thank GOD every day for the FNP program I am in. The instructors bend over backwards to make sure you pass.

I just flunked my first test ever. In advanced pathophysiology. The heart, never understood it, never will.

My instructor said she would give me study questions for the next test to make sure I score high on it. I'm overwhelmed the lengths they go to to help you.

I think it's because the tuition is $768 a credit hour so I'm getting my money's worth.

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Specializes in Looking for a career in NICU.

This is the thing: Colleges and Universities have written policies for a reason...to keep professors for coming up with their own.

Your professor clearly violated your rights, and you need to take it up the ladder. I think your "probation" will be tossed out the window.

The entire purpose of the certified letter is to PROVE that you received notice and come up with a course of action to ENSURE you know exactly what you need to do to not be kicked out of the program.

Considering they didn't do any of that, you need to address this IMMEDIATELY. This isn't the time to worry about politics. If you don't, and you get dismissed, and then cry foul later, it will look like retaliation.

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Specializes in Looking for a career in NICU.
*** The university policy manual is a contract. If you have not recieved the certified letter you are not on probation, period, end of story. If they give any problem I would take them to court so fast their head would spin for breach of contract.

I would LOVE to know what university you are talking about. I am in the market for an FNP program and would like to avoid a bad program.

I absolutely 2nd this!

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
I thank GOD every day for the FNP program I am in. The instructors bend over backwards to make sure you pass.

I just flunked my first test ever. In advanced pathophysiology. The heart, never understood it, never will.

My instructor said she would give me study questions for the next test to make sure I score high on it. I'm overwhelmed the lengths they go to to help you.

I think it's because the tuition is $768 a credit hour so I'm getting my money's worth.

*** Would you mind telling me what program you are in?

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