Pinning and graduation ceremonies when you didn't pass

pookyp, LPN · Dec 11, 2012

So you don't think the others 'deserve it' ? That's rude. I say it's not a big deal and worry about yourself.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2012

My school has nursing classes that start in fall and spring. So the spring starters end up finishing the last class 6 wks after the spring semester ends. Our school allows the Spring starters to walk and participate with the graduation ceremony since they only hold 1 per year. Now, thats all well and fine, but who's to say someone who participates in graduating won't fail the class they have left.

Honestly, I couldn't care less if they do participate with graduation and end up failing the class. Doesn't affect me in any way. Them participating doesn't 'cheapen' the graduation ceremony for those of us who have taken and passed ALL the required coursework in order to get our degree.

You have a few students having a hard time with the HESI exit yet have passed every other needed class in order to graduate. Cut them some slack. Let them participate and don't feel they are making a mockery of the ceremony. They aren't. I would much rather have a person who has taken all the required courses and passed but hasn't passed the HESI particpate than someone who hasn't completed all the required classes.

BTW, how many attempts at the HESI exit can they make? They've given it 3 times so far. Will they allow the other students to continue taking it until they pass it? If that's the case, the school in my opinion doesn't really base passing the program dependent on the HESI being passed.

Jennybrie · Dec 11, 2012

I can understand your feelings that you feel the others who did not pass shouldn't walk but that is up to the school to decide. It is possible that the school plans to do remediation for the students who have not passed. Maybe a review coorifice or tutoring will help them pass the next exam. Be proud of yourself and focus on passing the NCLEX knowing that the HESI prepared you for what is to come. For the five that (in your opinion) does not deserve to walk with you, try to support them as a fellow nurse and empathize that they will struggle when taking the NCLEX. Graduation is about celebrating personal accomplishments and success in the program. Don't ruin the experience thinking of what the other students did/did not do to get there. Congrats on finishing the program and good luck on your future career. :up:

metal_m0nk, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2012

If they pulled through however many years of exams, clinicals, assignments, life rearranging, missing time with family and friends, maybe having to do without and have their children do without because they couldn't hold down a full time job and expect to pass their classes, etc., etc., etc., to say so vehemently that you are certain they don't deserve to be pinned because they didn't pass an exit HESI with flying colors is incredibly insulting, disrespectful, and self-centered.

You asked, "What are your thoughts." Those are my thoughts.

FDW630 · Dec 11, 2012

I can see where you're coming from, but it's no different than someone who didn't graduate high school being allowed to walk and receiving a blank "diploma" instead of the real one that those did pass receive. I do agree that it cheapens the experience for those who passed, or it did for me...but it is what it is. I don't agree with it, and I don't think it is rude to feel that way. I don't hold it against the people who get to walk, though, and I would wish them the best.

kaydensmom01 · Dec 12, 2012

I'm sorry that you feel that way. I do not see how it would cheapen the experience. Do they still have an opportunity to graduate when they pass the HESI? They went through everything that you did; they went to classes, they passed their exams, passed their clinicals, but did not pass the HESI. So they shouldn't be able to have memories of a graduation or pinning ceremony b/c they finished a little later than you? How would you feel if you were in their position, did everything right but then messed up on the exit exam. I am sure that they are under immense pressure, which could be why they passed the nursing classes and then failed the exit exam, and you are making the pressure worse for them. They probably are not feeling any better than you, and you are surely not going to make it any easier on them. To say that they do not deserve it is not true!

We take a Hesi, but can still graduate if we don't get passing on it, and I would feel horrible for the students that didn't get to graduate b/c they failed one test and would not think any less of them. I would say you need to worry about yourself.

elkpark · Dec 12, 2012

Lots of colleges/unis have a policy that you can still march if you have classes to complete/make up and can be finished within the next semester -- if people are that close, they are allowed to participate in the ceremony with their classmates rather than having to wait another entire year and participate with strangers. This sounds like the same idea. If you want to let it bug you, that's your choice, but I don't really see the point ...

mseblake · Dec 12, 2012

Just worry about yourself and keep it moving. Dont worry about petty things like this. Congrats by the way

psu_213, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2012

Really, don't worry about it. I guess I would have mixed feelings about their participating in the ceremonies. However, at the end of the day, you will have the diploma, and (hopefully with a few months) a license. They won't. If the school has them walk, so be it...be proud of your accomplishments. You know what you achieved and there is a lot more to it than a ceremony.

ericaej · Dec 13, 2012

I think it is petty of you to care. Learn to let that stuff go now before you get a job in nursing imho. Didn't nursing school teach you that life isn't always fair?

Kimynurse · Dec 13, 2012

As you stated this is a new program, and they are working the kinks out.

I graduated , and one girl fail the last rotation of clinical, she re did them, but was allowed to get pinned if she wanted, she decided not to go.

Everyone of our classmates wanted her there.

Just focus on the amazing accomplishment