cla2804

Different professors handle situations differently. Just because your friend’s instructor gave some leeway doesn’t mean your professor is obliged to do the same. I am a nursing student as well and have had instructors handle lateness in several ways. Some address it with a talk and warning, others address it by sending students home or giving an unsatisfactory. I’m with your instructor on this one. While I think she may have been a bit over the top (I.e. you won’t lose your license by being late one time), I think she was correct in giving you a stern reprimand and an “unmet.” I think you’re lucky, this situation could have gone much worse. She could have sent you home for the day. At my school if you get sent home, you automatically fail clinical which means you fail the semester. Being late on the first day is particularly bad because you set a precedent for unprofessionalism. Nursing isn’t an easy job and subsequently school isn’t easy either. There are certain expectations you must meet and being on time is one of them. You need to have a talk with your family and make sure they understand the importance of you attending clinical on time and the severity of the consequences if you don’t. Best of luck.