was postponed graduating for a two week Medical leave of absence

[penaheather]

I recently(this week) was told by my doctor that I needed to take a two week medical leave of absence, because my blood pressure is critically high. Just two weeks ago a student in my class took a medical leave of absence to have a baby. She got to return to the program no questioned asked.

I attend class every day and am passing all my classes with high grades, but I was told that I must wait until August to return and graduate with the next class.

I find this as a form of discrimination, please feel free to post but please go gentle. I am upset as it is, due to this set back.

Thanks

Heather

[caliotter3]

Were you told to come back in August because of the timing of the two weeks leave? I would imagine the other person was able to pick up and catch up without overlapping. It seems your two weeks must be occurring at the wrong time to be able to do this. I can not imagine them treating you differently without a good reason. If you think it would help, go talk to them. Otherwise, just graduate in August and be glad you are able to graduate at all. I'm more concerned with you getting your bp under control than when you graduate. Your health must be in jeopardy for your doctor to tell you to stay home for two weeks. Listen to him and take care of yourself. Nursing school graduation can wait a few weeks.

[penaheather]

Yes I understand that my B/P is high, but what I guess I failed to say is that my class is set to graduate in Dec2012, and the school isnt willing let me take my two weeks off, even though just two weeks ago, another student took off two weeks. They want me to resart in Aug, 2012 which sets my graduation date to June 2013, that is over a year away. I have did all my work and I am in good standing with all my classes. I told them I would come to the school to take any test or what ever else was needed. I dont see the difference in myself having time off when another student just took time off too with no repercousions.

[Jolie, BSN]

I am sorry for the disappointing news that your graduation will be delayed. I share your doctor's concern that your health condition be treated first, as the risks of uncontrolled B/P far outweigh the risks of delayed graduation.

I am not adding this comment to be harsh. Rather, to caution you to choose your words carefully, as words have meaning, and those meanings can be quite strong to people. When you say that you think you are being discriminated against, do you mean on the basis of a group or category to which you belong? (Such as gender, religion, race, disability?) If so please be preared to present concrete information to support such a claim. If not, please consider altering your wording to avoid misunderstanding. Questioning the "fairness" of a decision is understandable. Accusing others of "discrimination" is serious business that must be supported by clear evidence. Please consider this distinction before talking with the leadership at your school.

On another note, a student planning a leave for childbirth obviously had notice well in advance and may have been able to plan for her absence by working ahead so that she could rejoin the class on schedule. Unfortunately, you have not had the benefit of prior planning and are at a disadvantage when returning to class so late in the academic year. I suspect this may factor into the administrator's decision to have you complete your studies over the summer. You can always ask, but be aware that s/he may not be able to discuss the other student's situation with you due to privacy requirements.

Best of luck to you.

[penaheather]

Thank you