Really really paranoid I might fail clinical

augurey · Feb 25, 2016

Have you ever had an unsatisfactory with her before?

I can't speak for all programs, but I know that one unsatisfactory day in mine doesn't fail us (unless, I'm sure, there was a huge error / patient safety issue). They expect improvement from that, but one time won't fail us.

I think at this point, there's nothing you can do about the unsatisfactory that you received. Nobody can say if she'll pass or fail you. All you can really do from this point is just do your absolute best over the next two clinicals.

RAndaRoo · Feb 25, 2016

I feel like just that one mistake wouldn't be grounds for failure of a clinical. I know at my school there are certain grades you have to get for certain sections like meds, but it's the average from all the clinicals for that specific rotation.

And also don't know how your school works, but at mine as far as clinical goes the instructor has to give you a contract when there is a possibility of failure. Basically saying like if you scored unsatisfactory one more time or missed clinical one more time you would fail. And then you'd have to sign acknowledging that you were told this. But hopefully it all works out for you!!

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2016

Do you think you will not work with people who "micromanage"? You need to provide excellent care no matter the situation.

Any thoughts? Do the job correctly and stop blaming people when you make mistakes. And learn to successfully navigate the situation even when conditions are not optimal. I don't know a person on earth who has loved every instructor they have had. Perspective is reality. Hardcore instructor? Good..bring it on. Expect me to perform to my best. Hold me to a high standard.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2016

Don't let this slide, Address this now! Set up a one and one meeting with her immediately in her office. Tell her you want to discuss your midterm unsatisfactory rating and you would like tips and to present a plan on how you can be successful.

Don't go to the meeting empty handed. Write down a list of things you plan to do on how you intend to be a success, then ask her opinion on the plan. She will more than likely see you as proactive, taking initiative and responsibility for your grade rather than blaming her and willing to do what it takes. Then go to your clinicals and nail it, don't argue with her smile all the time and just be quiet and get through it and be meticulous and over zealous without being a smartazz. For e.g if she wants a student to do something like insert a foley,be the first one to raise your hand and jump in there. Spend some extra time learning medications so during med passes you can nail her questions . So she micromanages, so what? there is nothing you can do about that - let her do it, its her course and you gotta pass it.

Our University required such a plan if you get unsatisfactory, and I must tell you it works. The worse you can do is not talk to her about it.

I've been in your shoes with a very similar instructor. I did the above, kept under her radar and passed. You can too. I can't find my template for a success plan right now but if I do I'll post it.

Edited:

Ok so I found my plan I wrote, surprise I still have it. Its basically type written word document addressed to the instructor:

Date: 2/2016

Instructor Name:

Course name:

Title: Plan for improvement

I, "yourname" in light of receiving an unsatisfactory grade in xyz clinical am determined to make the following improvements including any other suggestions made by Mrs ABC over the next few weeks.

1. Turn in assignment on time

2. Follow directions by instructor

3. Provide regular updates of my patient status and report all changes to RN or instructor.

4. assisting my peers with patient care

5. complete any required skills needed to be checked off

6

7

8

9

10

etc. etc

For you I will end it something like:

I believe that these changes will result in not only a satisfactory grade for clinical xyz end term evaluation but also in me being a better and safe student RN.

Student Name:

Date:

then you ask for her input.

So I listed about 10 points but you want them to answer the question and be the basis of your improvement plan:

"List 5-10 areas where you see weaknesses and state what improvements can be made and create a list of goals you plan to accomplish"

Use your mistake as a guide, just own it. So for you one point would be: "Use sharps and needles in a safe manner to prevent accidental needle sticks to myself, others and the patient" or something similar.

For me she was really in it for me reaching 1 min late to clinicals and for not communicate patient status to her, and not helping my peers, so do what works for you.

Hope this helps. Look forward to hearing you passed.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Feb 25, 2016

Why would you fail the entire semester for one, small thing? You are a nursing student, which means you will make mistakes. I see people say things like this all the time. They failed for this and that, basically for a small mistake. And I'm guessing 99% of the time, that's not the whole story. I'm guessing there may be a little bit of push back or attitude on your part because you don't like the style of this particular instructor and she can sense that.

What will you do in the workplace when you come across people whose personalities you will clash with? What will you do? You need to learn to suck it up and deal with it now, or you are in for a rude awakening when you start working. Has every instructor I had thoroughly enjoyed me? No. I have a few that have, and a few that haven't. And sometimes no matter how kind you are, they just don't click with you. But those instructors have always, always been fair with me when it comes to grading and I respect them for that. Respect is a two way street. It's earned on your part, but your instructor should automatically receive it from you because they earned it by already being a RN and already doing their job well.