Please help me...Do you think I'll get kicked out of nursing school?

[gtrebyari]

The story is that I was in class and we were discussing a powerpoint. The teacher asks us to look at the powerpoint question and asks us a question. However the question on the power point was not congruent with the question she was asking us. I abruptly said "Wrong question sister." A little background in Hawaii culture, since this did happen in Hawaii, "Sister, or Sistah" has the same meaning as a guy calling his best friend "bro." She immediately picked up on this and responded with "What did you call me." I quickly apologized and said I'm sorry. I meant no harm in any way. It was not said to be demeaning or derogatory. I feel extremely sorry. I don't know why I said this, I just felt so comfortable with her and I didn't mean to hurt her feelings. I didn't mean want to cause any harm. I already have gotten a email from her stating that she wants to meet me in her office. I called her and I left a msg asking if I could speak to her immediately. Please you guys, do you think this is on any grounds for a expulsion from Nursing School. Btw did I mention she's on the board chair for our Nursing school. I feel bad

[PhoenixTech, LPN]

Tell her honestly that it's a cultural thing and that sometimes the adjustment isn't made by the time you open your mouth.

[Anatomatrix]

Go in there, take her tongue-lashing, don't interrupt her, then end it with, "I agree it was disrespectful. You've made me feel very comfortable in class, and I really don't know what came over me. My only explanation is that my mouth engaged before my brain did. I apologize, and it won't happen again."

I really think that's all you need to say, because it's the absolute truth...along with making sure it doesn't happen again!

No flowers. Please. No flowers.

The above is great advice. Memorize the first paragraph before you go in. :)

Think of this as part of your education. It's a lesson in respect and etiquette, but it's also training in facing meetings which may involve confrontation. I think your anticipation is much worse than the actual meeting will be. Use this to learn how to handle such situations - it will not be your last uncomfortable meeting.

On flowers: I appreciate flowers from my students - but only after the course is finished. I've never received (nor do I want to receive) a lavish bouquet. I've received a couple of small potted plants as a thank-you after graduation, and one advisee student who was accepted into an advanced program gave me a very nice smaller arrangement. I think I would be a little uncomfortable receiving flowers from a student during a course, and since we're not supposed to accept gifts from current students it would be an awkward situation.

[gtrebyari]

Thank you guys so much for all the advice...and now here's what happened.

So I go in scared ********, memorized the above paragraph and then some, and reheorificed EVERYTHING. I knocked her door and immediately was acknowledged by her presence. "HEY, Thanks for coming to see me." she said, so I figured I'm off to a great start. Then before she could say anything else, I couldn't bare not apologizing yet, so I blurted something like "First and foremost I would like to apologize for my misconduct..blah blah blah...culture thing....i'm comfortable with you....slip out..." along the lines of that. The expression on her face was unexpected...she giggled...she didn't even acknowledge my apology. She redirected the conversation I had with something totally unexpected. Apparently she overheard me and a friend joking around and I had teased him about his culture, him being not from here. Bear in mind me and him do this ALL THE TIME, we always goof around so nothing is taken serious. However she thought that I should have respect for his culture and know when to use my humor appropriately. Then she analyzed the humor aspect of my personality and asked me if I used to often to get acceptance and telling me that it was "okay" to use sometimes, but as I progress in my career I should learn to tune it down a bit. I didn't know whether to be mad or happy at her reaction, but I do know that I'm not gonna do that again. Its like she did technically scold me but she did it in a way that didn't feel like I was being punished at all, in fact, the whole beginning of the conversation she was stating how bright I was and how she wouldn't have called me into class if she didn't think I was "bright."

Thanks again guys for helping me out. I overreacted way to much as you can see, but I'm SO glad that's done with. Its like ripping off a band aid >_

[dandk1997RN, MSN, RN]

Glad to hear things went well- I suspected you might have been getting worked up over nothing, but of course, it wouldn't have been kind to say that, because regardless of reality, that was what you were feeling.

Thanks for posting the update- I've been wondering what happened.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Glad to hear it all worked out. As a "crusty old nurse" I thought it was funny as he!! and would have laughed too....:lol2:

[Anatomatrix]

We do appreciate the follow up.

Here's one more thing: you've probably helped dozens of people by sharing your story. Kudos!

Teache sounds like a winner too. I can see why you felt comfortable in her class.

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

Glad to hear it all worked out. As a "crusty old nurse" I thought it was funny as he!! and would have laughed too....:lol2:

I confess, I don't feel as old as I am, but this story made me feel pretty aged! Shame, OP was so scared! Took me back to my college days....

We were a bunch of naughty b****rs. I remember our tutor was telling us that we were getting an unexpected day off, and we all started singing "how the hell can we believe you" at the top of our voices....

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

Oh yeah, and she laughed too.

[Awright162]

Oh! You finally updated. I've been waiting for awhile to hear what happened. Glad everything is okay.