Ohio BON: Clinical requirements

[ShyGirlShai]

Does anyone have any information regarding the Ohio Board of Nursing requirements for clinical attendance?

I have a situation where the student handbook is being thrown at me (and other students for the same issue), and I'm being told that Ohio BON says it has to be written a certain way, etc., but there is no citation to any source anywhere in the handbook for reference and I would like to see that.

It would be very helpful and appreciated. Thank you.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Can you provide more details like examples? You have to have so many clinical hours. I can't find an exact number. There isn't an exact policy about make up but the school is supposed to have a policy for ill students.

[ShyGirlShai]

The situation is that I overslept and was late informing the school of my absence from clinical, but I did inform them once I woke up. The program director said I was a no call no show per the school handbook. However, this part of the handbook is sloppily articulated and vague. She then stated that this was the way it had to be written according to the Ohio BON and that they consider it a no call no show and that I fail the clinical and the class. But, the handbook says this is termination from the program, not a class fail. It says it is up to her discretion if extenuating circumstances occur but gives no examples of what could count as such, nor reference or citation to read this anywhere on BON site or otherwise. She said she could not make exception, but technically not terminating me is an exception so it seems a ploy to siphon cash from students out of fear of termination if they debate it and point this out. I want to see for myself. I contacted the BON but have not gotten a reply and didn't find the info on their site. This has happens to other students, not just myself.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

BONs do not interfere in policy decisions (for schools or employers) and do not over ride the rules that your school has established. The BON only outlines the minimum requirements for program approval, such as the curriculum content, number of clinical hours, type of clinical experience, etc. Each school is free to establish its own rules and syllabus.

Bottom line? Don't expect the BON to step in. If you believe that the school has done something illegal, you need to follow their grievance/appeal policy. If that doesn't work, your only recourse would be to hire an attorney.

[Wuzzie]

^^^

This about a hundred times. The OBN wouldn't give two hoots about your situation. In fact, calling them about it would probably only antagonize them and that is something you DO NOT want to do. Their mission is to protect the public and that is all. They are unapologetic in this.

[ShyGirlShai]

I didn't call because I think they give a crap about my situation. I only called to ask if they are involved with this as the director says they are and to find it in writing since the director does not have it cited. I also do not expect them to override it. I know there are other agency or boards that deal with things of that type. Anyone would want the facts. But if the school is lying saying "the Board says", then I want to see what the board says. I asked here if anyone knew where the rules were or not, not if you think they'd give a **** about my situation. I was giving the situation in reply to someine asking me for details.

[ShyGirlShai]

I understand they are there to protect the public, I am just asking if anyone knows anything about the rules from them not from a school handbook. I wanted to know if the director is just saying this to keep students from trying to debate her. As far as a grievance, it will end up going to the director. I have contacted her and will follow through with it. I was just asking for help here so I'm not going in blind. These are people that you need it in writing for. They will try to mess us students around at this school using the vague. Things in the handbook..that they go against all the time just not for us.

[Wuzzie]

Sorry I was just trying to keep you from digging a bigger hole but if you don't want the help so be it. Good luck in your studies.

[ShyGirlShai]

I didn't say I didn't want the help. That is what I was asking for by posting here. Maybe just the way it was stated was off-putting to me. I understand what you are saying about digging a bigger hole and it makes sense and is a risk but I was not asking if I should report the incident to them, just to ask for the policy as I was directed to do by a different board regulating the school since the school would not provide it. I do think you are right and it could dig me deeper. I appreciate the comment and your input but the tone was inflammatory to me because I was so upset. I apologize for being so aggressive about it. Thank you for your comment, input and the well wishes. I'm going to file a complaint elsewhere and withdraw from the unprofessional program.