For the last two weeks, as I was walking to my office in the hospital, I've passed by a clinical instructor and her students from a local university nursing program. She gathers them in a hallway that serves as a seating area for visitors.
this woman has, every time I've seen her, been literally ranting and raving at her gaggle of students. I've heard her call them stupid, lazy, slow-witted. Heard her practically yelling that they will never survive as a nurse. Seen her literally rip their care plans to shreds and toss it on the floor.
it is all I can do to not stop and put her in her place, but I'm pretty new at this hospital and am not sure how that'd go over.
Should I confront her about this behavior? Would there be a contact at the hospital that would deal with the college staff? Should I just mind my business? ****** me off to see this reprobate treating students like this.
I'd be seriously tempted to tape her w/ my cell phone.
I agree, this behavior is beyond unprofessional, and the students don't deserve it. She is an instructor. She is paid to TEACH, not to shellac these people...in public no less. Sure they have to meet certain standards and earn good grades, but their tuition is paying this CI's salary. In a way, they are her clients. Not to mention they are adults and deserve to be treated as such. I could not agree more w/ the PT at ceccia's work, who said that if her students' work was so bad that that is a reflection on her. I also have serious concerns that if she behaves this way in public, what on Earth is she saying and doing behind the closed door of post-conference??
I've said this to my 12-yr old daughter, and believe it applies here too. If you see bullying happen (and this is a CLEAR case of workplace hostility...not some VSS new grad crying NETY if the COB doesn't treat her like the VSS she is) and say or do nothing, you become part of the problem. I don't expect her or anybody to be able to stop the behavior, but we have a duty to at least say, "That is unnecessary, and it's not ok to speak about people that way."
I hate that they've had to endure this behavior, but very thankful that a strong nurse like you has witnessed their plight and sees how wrong this is.
I reported it to my direct supervisor, who immediately sent it to the nursing administration. They emailed me for more information, and assured me that the situation will be dealt with.
Thanks for all the support. This chick is pretty lucky this old cop wasn't a student under her heel...I bite. :)
First I'd be careful videotaping anyone these days. Especially if this is happening in a state that requires 2 party consent. My facility prohibits all staff (except upper management) from carrying cell phones. So if in the middle of recording these interactions should any patient info get blurted out then its an automatic HIPAA violation. And who needs that?
Second... where's the creativity?? I'd suggest using this as a learning moment. How about creating a care plan for this clinical instructor? The first thing that popped into my mind: Impaired verbal communication R/T loss of memory of professional goals AEB increased volume while using poor vocabulary choices. And what can be done about it? I doubt there is one right answer... yikes it made me think N-clex. Still new nurses need to learn to deal with overbearing abusive patients (and family members), staff and management.
This brings back memories of my own clinical days! My group had a instructor very similar to what you've described but not quite as extreme. It took one of the physicians saying something to the program director before something was done. Unfortunately it was too late for two of my classmates who quit the program because they couldn't take the abuse anymore and their complaints to the director weren't taken seriously. I think you should pass on what you've seen to the program director. At least you will have a clear conscience and who knows? You might keep a potentially good nurse from quitting
Those students are in a position where they are being bullied! This is also Horizontal Violence!!!! I sincerely hope the Nursing School Instructor is dealt with accordingly & this is not just swept under the rug because of who she is or how long she's been at the school.
I would definitely report her. There's no excuse for that behavior, and hopefully at least one of those students will speak up to someone about it.
I was lucky enough to have CIs that were excellent, professional and courteous, every single last one of them. And that made me a damn good nurse several years later. Proof there that you don't need to be tortured in clinical to excel in nursing.
Bortaz, I hope you do the right thing!
ETA: I just now read your update ... Yay! Hope she burns at the stake :)
I reported it to my direct supervisor, who immediately sent it to the nursing administration. They emailed me for more information, and assured me that the situation will be dealt with.
Thanks for all the support. This chick is pretty lucky this old cop wasn't a student under her heel...I bite. :)
Excellent news, Bortaz. If you do decide to bite, please update us to let us know if the instructor tastes like chicken. In all seriousness, you've done well, and nursing students should see that there are many practicing nurses who care deeply about maintaining professional standards in nursing education. Bortaz for the Daisy award!
Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.
Since others have seen her also perhaps they could write out some statements? That way you can make sure the school realizes it's not just you who has noticed and possibly taken it the wrong way.
Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN
5,047 Posts
I'd be seriously tempted to tape her w/ my cell phone.
I agree, this behavior is beyond unprofessional, and the students don't deserve it. She is an instructor. She is paid to TEACH, not to shellac these people...in public no less. Sure they have to meet certain standards and earn good grades, but their tuition is paying this CI's salary. In a way, they are her clients. Not to mention they are adults and deserve to be treated as such. I could not agree more w/ the PT at ceccia's work, who said that if her students' work was so bad that that is a reflection on her. I also have serious concerns that if she behaves this way in public, what on Earth is she saying and doing behind the closed door of post-conference??
I've said this to my 12-yr old daughter, and believe it applies here too. If you see bullying happen (and this is a CLEAR case of workplace hostility...not some VSS new grad crying NETY if the COB doesn't treat her like the VSS she is) and say or do nothing, you become part of the problem. I don't expect her or anybody to be able to stop the behavior, but we have a duty to at least say, "That is unnecessary, and it's not ok to speak about people that way."
I hate that they've had to endure this behavior, but very thankful that a strong nurse like you has witnessed their plight and sees how wrong this is.