Professionalism investigation

Nurses Professionalism

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I am an LPN-BSN student with the craziest story. Today I went to finish on boarding for my final clinical and semester: Mind you I have been to this same hospital 3 times now. We’re two weeks into the semester I still have not heard when my 130 hours of clinicals will take place. I have 2 kids and 2 jobs to give some kind of a notice too. When I arrived everyone was so nice and helpful, I was able to ask questions and found everyone to be knowledgeable until I met with the final lady who seemed annoyed that I was there. I didn’t really understand what she was asking of me, and When she told me she would send me an email to the hospitals email address I told her that I didn’t have access to that yet, she rolled her eyes at me and then said she was doing me a favor by sending me an email. Still unsure I asked if she could send it to my personal email. She agreed, I asked several more questions but I quickly stopped talking because she was clearly having a bad day, and didn’t care for me. Fast forward. I sent out two emails thanking them for their help to which I got one response and then I got an email from my dean saying that I violated professionalism and that this is a very serious offense. She will not tell me when or who? I am SHOCKED. I cannot believe that I am having to deal with this on my final semester with only 2 classes left. My question to those who are older and wiser or who have dealt with something like this in the past is how do I handle this? How do you defend your self when people are just so ready to find fault before they have done any investigation. I’m so afraid They are going to do something crazy and stop me from finishing, I know this seems paranoid but I don’t really know what to think. I am a super good student, I never been talked to by any clinical instructor or anyone else about professionalism so I’m just lost!

jag nurse, RN

80 Posts

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Can you go to your clinical instructor and tell her/him the story and let her know your fears? Maybe, you can also (if need be) get references from some of your teachers...in other words, get people who know you behind you. Then, face the situation head-on. Meet with the dean (I would have my advisor/instructor with me for backup and support) and try to get to the bottom of it. Best of luck to you. Please let us know how it goes.

JKL33

6,777 Posts

That is crazy. This story exemplifies the reason why I am on here advocating that people stop buying into this willy-nilly reporting nonsense and STOP reporting each other for every little "incivility" and disappointment: Because it is an utterly toxic mindset that spreads uncontrollably and unpredictably and the next thing you know you we are all at risk of facing serious ramifications because of the actions of someone who is angry at life and knows they can wreak havoc.

Anyway. I don't know about others but I would play hardball. This is not any kind of advice whatsoever, it is just what I would do. I would carefully, respectfully and professionally approach my contact point (proper authority/chain of command) at the school and state that I am taken aback by the charge and don't know what it is about or what to do, then ask about next steps. If I don't like their answers or their demeanor I would thank them for their time and immediately secure legal assistance.

Goaldigger80

6 Posts

Specializes in LPN.

Well, I finally spoke with the director of the program who informed me that my “complaint” was considered unprofessional behavior. This was in an email from the lady I previously discussed. The unprofessional behavior they reported me for was I asked too many questions, and they didn’t like the questions I asked. I was then told that as a guest of the hospital I need to “keep my head down”, and not ask any questions!

There are just no words, I will continue on and finish but what non sense, and unnecessary stress.

Editorial Team / Moderator

Lunah, MSN, RN

14 Articles; 13,766 Posts

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Completely ridiculous. Brings to mind the old curse "may the fleas of a thousand camels infest her armpits." ? Or "may her inner voice be Gilbert Gottfried's." Miserable people loves to drag others into their pit of despair. I hope you don't have to deal with her again. Karma dictates that her own unprofessional behavior will bite her on the bottom someday!

JKL33

6,777 Posts

@Goaldigger80 so was this basically just informing you of the complaint or are there still ongoing "investigations?" Have they told you that you are allowed to continue (with this dumb warning, of course)?

What did the lady say in her email? you were asking to many questions? Maybe she implied that the school did not give you the information you needed to be prepared and it made them look like they were not doing their part they are responsible for.

Goaldigger80

6 Posts

Specializes in LPN.

The ladies Actual complaint was that she didn’t “like” my questions. She was clearly having a bad day and felt the need to take it out on me. I agree with karma! There was an investigation but there was nothing unprofessional about asking questions and the only thing they could say was I need to go there and put my head down. I literally just asked this woman if she had my correct email address.

jag nurse, RN

80 Posts

10 hours ago, Goaldigger80 said:

The ladies Actual complaint was that she didn’t “like” my questions. She was clearly having a bad day and felt the need to take it out on me. I agree with karma! There was an investigation but there was nothing unprofessional about asking questions and the only thing they could say was I need to go there and put my head down. I literally just asked this woman if she had my correct email address.

I'm glad they didn't punish you for what you didn't do! Rude people are everywhere these days. There used to be a lot more respect, in the world. Now days, some people would rather attack than befriend. When I was traveling, I asked the unit clerk if she could please do something for me that UCs usually do. I explained that I didn't know how and could she please do it. She told me off. Lol She never did like me for whatever reason. I ran my tail off, and she sat and read the newspaper half the time.

Just keep on keepin' on. You won't be there forever. Good luck. :0)

ruby_jane, BSN, RN

3,142 Posts

Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
On 9/18/2019 at 2:23 PM, Goaldigger80 said:

The ladies Actual complaint was that she didn’t “like” my questions. She was clearly having a bad day and felt the need to take it out on me. I agree with karma! There was an investigation but there was nothing unprofessional about asking questions and the only thing they could say was I need to go there and put my head down. I literally just asked this woman if she had my correct email address.

OY. It won't always be this way. Hang in there!

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