"Blocked" from Nursing Program Help

[Fundamentals(1986)]

I recieved an email saying I was "blocked" due to test taking irregularity. During finals i accidently had my cellphone on me when i walked into the testing center. The phone did not ring during the test or anything because i turned it off when i was group studying with my friends before the final. After i took the final i walked out of the testing center and went to grab my keys and realized i still had my cellphone with me. I was really happy with my grade so i wanted to let my friends know about it. So.... as i was talking out of the center. i pulled my phone out. They held me back and wrote up my Student ID, cell phone number and course number. and says its up to the teacher about what happens to me. i talked to my teacher the day after and told her my incident. she said it was ok and to not worry about it. The test was on Dec 7. i talked to her on dec 8. and now today, the 11th. i received the email from the dean of nursing saying im "blocked".

I did NOT cheat whatsoever. i wouldnt risk being kicked out by looking at a cellphone during a test. everyone that takes the computerized test are facing the wall so our backs are facing the staff members. it would be hard to cheat if anyone attempted it.

i need advice on what to do. what to say. etc. i dont want to get kicked out when i know i didnt do anything unethical.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Can you get a copy of your cell phone records to show that the phone was not used during the testing period?

[Fundamentals(1986)]

yes i can. i was planning to print out my text messaging record and my incoming/outcoming record to show them if this deliemma gets carried away. i hope nothing serious happens

[caliotter3]

My cell phone accidently rang during a physio exam and the instructor was there almost before I got it turned off. I was so embarassed and taken aback. I rarely get a call, so I was surprised that my granddaughter picked that time to call me and I had forgot to turn off the phone. I was lucky because the instructor could see that it was an innocent mistake. Good luck.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

i would think it would be the potential for stored info, that would be the problem.

[thatsthekeyRNC]

I agree that the stored info would be the issue, but just explain the mistake and hopefully they can see that it WAS just a mistake. I'm sure it will help that you spoke to your teacher right after it happened and she understood.

[tfleuter, BSN, RN]

Might be beneficial to contact your cell provider and see what information they can pull up off of your phone to use in your defense. I've never dealt with anything like this, but maybe having a knowledgeable, unbiased 3rd party presented could help.

[elkpark]

Is the problem perhaps that you were not supposed to have the phone with you at all during the test? If so, it may not matter what "proof" you can provide about the use of the phone. I know that was the rule (no phones on your person, period, during exams) in the last nursing program in which I taught.

[thatsthekeyRNC]

I know it's really your responsibility, but I'm actually surprised that they didn't remind you before you went in. At the test center at my old school they would announce the rules over and over while we waited and signed in.

[AOx1]

I agree with the above, it would be important to also note if you were told of this rule or signed a paper agreeing to this rule prior to taking the exam, or if this rule is listed in your handbook, etc.

For example, it is absolutely forbidden to take your phone into the NCLEX, but they remind you ad nauseum.

I would offer a solution- as others have said, get your provider's verification if you can that you didn't use it.