Nursing student getting abuse from instructor

nhodge20 · Nov 25, 2016

Maybe she just got excited and raised her voice a little to try to catch your attention before you touched the door knob? I am almost finished with my second semester of clinicals and am actually having to have a sit down with our dean of nursing and my L&D clinical instructor. She actually gave me a U for not having $5.00 for a hospital badge (currently I am taking care of a 2 and 3 year old who are both still in diapers, paying bills, and stretching gas out over the month on $473.00 a month, the clinical day was the 29th, I NEVER have money at the end of the month). I got the U overturned because a class mate loaned me the $ and the clinical instructor told the dean in an email that I NEVER gave her the money or got the badge that day ( I have 2 d/t a mess-up on the first one to prove her wrong). I was told by the dean that the instructor "really wanted me to get that U" and afterwards, this instructor has made my life a living hell. She has even went as far as asking other teachers about me, sending emails asking if I do certain things in their presence, etc. If your instructor is telling you that you are doing things wrong, and showing you the correct way to do them, then she is doing her job. Patient safety is the #1 concern in health care, and cross contamination is the #1 cause of infection, so that wouldn't be keeping our patient safe!!! Just lay low, try to come to clinical prepared, and if you aren't sure about a procedure, what ever you do, don't wing it. I know that the Taylor's Fundamentals of Nursing has all the basic skills that a nurse needs, though I'm not sure what book you are using, but it clearly states when to take gloves off, what you can and cant touch, when to use them, when not to. Make sure that if you aren't sure, ask questions! Ask to be shown the right way. Kill her with kindness. But in this profession, you can't walk in the door at the starting line thinking you know everything and that every correction is something against you personally. It isn't, she is just getting you prepared to be able to perform in the correct manner, in a timely manner, so that the patient is cared for in a timely manner. Good luck to you! It only gets harder the closer to graduation so I suggest you study study study and make sure you pay attention in lab! You use the skills you learn there on your clinical days!

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Nov 25, 2016

You need to grow a skin or you have a long journey ahead of you- not just in school but in your career and life in general.

Username invalid, RN · Nov 26, 2016

If you are uncomfortable, find courage to speak to the instructor IN PRIVATE, and use the "I- statements": "My perception is that I am being yelled at while at the lecture/clinical. I do not learn best in such condition, and would benefit from other approach." And listen to what the instructor has to say.

Eek. I would've been highly irritated if any my employees had said those words to me.

So, listen: I'm sure your instructor cares for your development. Every bit of your work is a reflection of her, so respectfully remember not to insult her. I recommend, if you must talk to her, to say something that shows that you've experienced some personal reflection & growth. DON'T give her a task. For example, you could say: "I only came by to say I am sorry for being so sloppy lately. I understand why it happened. I have a plan, and you will see those results now." Only say it if you mean it.

I got ahead of myself --- OP, if you consider talking to her -- before you do it, you need a plan, because your system is causing you some hurt. Have you thought about sharing your anxiety issue with your doctor so you can have some support? Don't answer. If I were you, I'd beg my doctor for help now, before my career starts.

Speaking of your career, (if you haven't already,) try to read some of the tenured nurse's posts about the jobs we're working towards. --- You'll see. You've got to get rid of your anxiety issue.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2016

Was she really "yelling," or is yelling a word you chose to reflect that she was being critical? I've seen this word used repeatedly, then clarified as "well, not LITERALLY yelling at me" when questioned.

ParaBellum · Nov 27, 2016

While this particular story lends the idea that the OP is probably in for a rude awakening and needs to tolerate constructive criticism, sometimes complaints like this are warranted. I currently have an instructor who was previously removed from her (current) position due to TWO lawsuits filed by students regarding abuse. I'm at a small community college where they cannot afford to deal with any type of lawsuits, so they moved her to a different position until the storm blew over, then gave her the job back when she herself threatened to sue. She has physically assaulted students, smacking hands away from patients and cutting their hair off from behind during clinical if it touched the collar. She has assaulted patients during clinical and was also previously barred from the premises by the hospital itself because of her number of torts. She teaches at least one core nursing class every semester of my program, and we have all learned that in order to get through, we must subject ourselves to her abuse. I'm not here to complain: I do what I need to need to do and let it roll off of my back. However, some of my cohort are frequently reduced to tears, depression, or quitting the program altogether because of this prof. We've lost 5 this semester alone. It DOES happen; some of these stories are legitimate.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2016

She has physically assaulted students, smacking hands away from patients and cutting their hair off from behind during clinical if it touched the collar.

I have no words. In that scenario, I would have a lawyer do my talking via written threat of assault/battery charges if she was not removed and a huge apology given by her and the school.

TriciaJ, RN · Nov 28, 2016

While this particular story lends the idea that the OP is probably in for a rude awakening and needs to tolerate constructive criticism, sometimes complaints like this are warranted. I currently have an instructor who was previously removed from her (current) position due to TWO lawsuits filed by students regarding abuse. I'm at a small community college where they cannot afford to deal with any type of lawsuits, so they moved her to a different position until the storm blew over, then gave her the job back when she herself threatened to sue. She has physically assaulted students, smacking hands away from patients and cutting their hair off from behind during clinical if it touched the collar. She has assaulted patients during clinical and was also previously barred from the premises by the hospital itself because of her number of torts. She teaches at least one core nursing class every semester of my program, and we have all learned that in order to get through, we must subject ourselves to her abuse. I'm not here to complain: I do what I need to need to do and let it roll off of my back. However, some of my cohort are frequently reduced to tears, depression, or quitting the program altogether because of this prof. We've lost 5 this semester alone. It DOES happen; some of these stories are legitimate.

She assaults students and has gotten the school sued. Students quit because of her; that's additional loss of revenue for the school. She assaults patients and has gotten the hospital sued. So now she's barred from the hospital. But the school won't dump her because they're afraid of a lawsuit from her? That is ridiculous. Who is she cozy with or related to?

NurseLauraM · Nov 28, 2016

I understand the frustration of having a preceptor yell at you when you are truly putting forth your best effort and are trying to learn. While I was in nursing school, I was also scolded by preceptors a few times. I also had a preceptor who frequently criticized my judgement even though what I was doing/saying was exactly by the books. She just wasn't up to date with current practice. However, all that being said there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, instructors are not just instructors. They are also nurses. Imagine how stressed you would be trying to address all of your normal patient needs while also having a student, who you are not only responsible for teaching but you must also ensure does not harm your patients. Sometimes when they scold you it you it has nothing to do with you, but more with the fact that they are incredibly stressed! People tend to take stress out on those around them, and as a student nurse that will often be you. Secondly - and believe me this was hard for me because I am a very by-the-book person... I have a really good memory for facts, which I attribute to my father who has autism and remembers everything - it is not about being right! You might disagree with you preceptor at times and you might be right to disagree (quietly). However, it is in your best interest for your reputation, your evaluation, and your overall learning experience to avoid conflict. Instead of arguing, just say, very politely "I apologize and will make sure to do ___ next time instead". And lastly, don't forget that instructors have a heck of a lot more experience than you! Sometimes there are reasons for their behavior that you just can't understand... the "gold standard" that students are taught are not always practical in the real world. Preceptors just want to teach and nurture their students and, while the methods may not always make sense, they have your best interest in mind.

Just roll with the punches, find someone to vent to (outside of the location you're precepting in of course), and try again the next day. You will do great :)

LessValuableNinja · Nov 28, 2016

So, I've started nursing. Second day on my first clinical training. And my instructor keeps yelling at me for not working fast enough, and making mistakes that are not really a big deal.

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First, you've started nursing school, not nursing. Second, your language is concerning. You begin your post by stating what is or is not important in nursing school. The fact that you've unilaterally decided this without experience is a red flag that may indicate to some, or many, that the problem is likely internal rather than external. It may be time for some soul searching about what you want from the program, and how to realistically achieve those goals. I feel for you. I really do. But when a post begins with statements from a new student in that fashion, it can easily give others the impression that you have an issue with criticism that is unlikely to lead to success. You asked people for advice, and it's worth taking some of the advice that's been given.

Skippingtowork · Nov 29, 2016

While this particular story lends the idea that the OP is probably in for a rude awakening and needs to tolerate constructive criticism, sometimes complaints like this are warranted. I currently have an instructor who was previously removed from her (current) position due to TWO lawsuits filed by students regarding abuse. I'm at a small community college where they cannot afford to deal with any type of lawsuits, so they moved her to a different position until the storm blew over, then gave her the job back when she herself threatened to sue. She has physically assaulted students, smacking hands away from patients and cutting their hair off from behind during clinical if it touched the collar. She has assaulted patients during clinical and was also previously barred from the premises by the hospital itself because of her number of torts. She teaches at least one core nursing class every semester of my program, and we have all learned that in order to get through, we must subject ourselves to her abuse. I'm not here to complain: I do what I need to need to do and let it roll off of my back. However, some of my cohort are frequently reduced to tears, depression, or quitting the program altogether because of this prof. We've lost 5 this semester alone. It DOES happen; some of these stories are legitimate.

This behavior is so unacceptable, I am almost rendered speechless. No one has to tolerate this type of behavior and schools should be sued if they knowlingly allow faculty such as this. The goal is to provide excellent patient care and terrorizing students does not make them better providers. Strictness and consistency is important. Patience and understanding goes a long way, while still enforcing student sense of responsibility. While the student needs to careful about the "no big deal" statement, he or she may be so frazzled chastisement may not help. She should try using some of the scripts provided by previous writers.

NurseLauraM · Nov 30, 2016

nhodge20 - My goodness!! It sounds like you have a nightmare of an instructor. Have she lightened up at all since? When does this clinical end?

erinkels · Dec 1, 2016

Honestly, just shake it off and learn from it. Close your eyes, keep your head down, and learn as much as you can. It's true that a lot of nurses eat their young, so get used to being berated on a regular basis. Don't take anything personally. Practice good, HONEST self reflection at th end of the day. For instance, "I made a mistake by contaminating the doorknob with my gloved hand. My teacher was making me aware of that. I am still learning and I will do know next time not to do that". Also, practice a lot of self-love and compassion in nursing school because you probably won't get a lot of it from your instructors. Bottom line, don't take anything personally. Don't even consider the instructor's tone, just think about the underlying message. As long as your instructor is not wrong in what he/she is teaching you.