Some advice regarding a nursing instruuctors integrity

[pinkfluffybunny]

Here is my situation. I was at clinicals. The charge nurse asked if I wanted to give an injection. I asked my instructor if it was alright and she said it was fine if the charge nurse was with me. To a different instructor I had said something about doing the procedure. Not breaking HIPPA, but the instructor flipped out and started this whole internal review. The clinical instructor called me last night asking me questions. I told her that she had a agreed to let me do it but she just kept denying it. She even signed my passport. I would say something and she would try to turn it around on me "So what your saying is...." and I would say no that's not what happened. They have a meeting without me today to decide my fate. I don't think I am going to be kicked out. I may just get an unsatisfactory for the day for not following instructions but I didn't do anything wrong. I even have other students that overheard that she knew that I did it. Really at this point it's her trying to cover her butt at the expensive of mine. I should also add that no one was hurt we just weren't supposed to be doing this at this facility.

So do I just suck it up take the U for the day and move on with my school knowing to really make sure that I cover my own tail, or do I call her on it?

I actually could be alright with it if they weren't going to call me in to meet with them. If they do that I actually think that she expects me to lie.

[dontdriveangry]

This post reminds me of all the insane drama of nursing school. I would tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing else. Don't be defensive, even if they are on the offensive. Don't lie about anything. And if you made a mistake, own up to it. But don't speculate. Just tell what happened and nothing else.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree. I would be totally 100% honest and I would write up my side of the story and be sure that my side is included in my file.

Also, I would give the names of people who heard the instructor approve your actions and ask them to testify in your behalf if needed.

But at all times, I would remain pleasant and professional. Don't give them reason to want you out of the program -- play nice -- but "have your ducks in a row" and present them to the powers that be. Present yourself as someone who followed the rules, obtained your instructor's permission before you did something unusual, and now support the school's effort to clarify it's policies about such clinical learning opportunities. You're the "good guy" here: you have nothing to hide or be ashamed of: act like it. Present all the facts willingly and be sure to appear happy to do so.

[pinkfluffybunny]

Thanks for the advice. I so agree about the drama of nursing school. I think both the students and instructors become so comfortable with each other that the lines get very blurry. For instance I had this instructor for another clinical rotation and she had confided some very personal information to me. So when it comes to situations where something happens and they start circling their wagons to protect themselves it leaves you feeling really conflicted. Here is someone that you liked and respected, and instead of owning up to her mistake she's throwing me under the bus in hopes that she can keep her job and I'll just get a slap on the wrist.

Then there is the other side. If I stand up for myself will there be ongoing repercussions. I have a few more weeks and then one more quarter. I can be either the girl who screwed up or the one who got a teacher fired. I don't know that other instructors will respect my integrity.

I still just think that I am a little in shock. They tell you from day one its all CYA. First and foremost no one is your friend, and trust no one to do the right thing.

[anonymousstudent]

Are you sure the meeting is about you? From what you said it sounds to me like there are some issues with your clinical instructor. That, or the one you told really doesn't like your teacher.

I wouldn't take the fall for her, just tell the truth. If they accuse you of doing something wrong I would just keep telling what happened.

What a mess. GL!

[pinkfluffybunny]

Yap the meeting is about me because the instructor told me on the phone yesterday they were having a meeting about me today.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

If you could bring one of the witnesses with you to support what you say it would be helpful.

[SlightlyMental_RN]

Huh...I guess the rules are different in your state, or something. It was always fine for us to do procedures with another RN, as the instructor couldn't be all places at all times. Sorry for you having to experience this drama.

[shiccy]

Thanks for the advice. I so agree about the drama of nursing school. I think both the students and instructors become so comfortable with each other that the lines get very blurry. For instance I had this instructor for another clinical rotation and she had confided some very personal information to me. So when it comes to situations where something happens and they start circling their wagons to protect themselves it leaves you feeling really conflicted. Here is someone that you liked and respected, and instead of owning up to her mistake she's throwing me under the bus in hopes that she can keep her job and I'll just get a slap on the wrist.

Then there is the other side. If I stand up for myself will there be ongoing repercussions. I have a few more weeks and then one more quarter. I can be either the girl who screwed up or the one who got a teacher fired. I don't know that other instructors will respect my integrity.

I still just think that I am a little in shock. They tell you from day one its all CYA. First and foremost no one is your friend, and trust no one to do the right thing.

It may also benefit you in getting the charge nurse's side of the story. Nothing elaborate, but a "When I asked if (your name) was interested in injections, she excused herself and attempted to get the "OK" from her nursing instructor. She returned and stated the instructor agreed and stated that it was OK to do w/ me at her side" something along those lines. She didnt maybe witness your conversation, but you left her side to do so

[coolpeach]

When I was in nursing school (I graduated last year) there was an unspoken rule. If your in a situation where you want to do something within the scope of nursing practice, a nurse is willing to teach you, but you have not be checked off on it in lab, its not something we are allowed to do yet etc....then do it if you feel its a great learning opportunity, but don't bring it up. If the instructor hears about it in passing or walks by she will look the other way. If you brag about it, flat out state you did it to staff, or something bad happens then its on you.

Most of us learned a lot of things this way. In clinicals when opportunites may not present themselves all the time you have to take advantage of learning situations where you can get them. The professors knew this, but at the same time have to protect themselves...So proceed at your own risk basically.

Is it possible your school had this same unspoken rule?

[pinkfluffybunny]

It really depends on what you are doing. Giving medications to me is something that I need to get an okay for. Since she said that it was alright for me to do it with the RN I would only assume that it is alright for us to pass meds at the facility. I had already checked off on it in the learning lab and had done it the previous quarter with my instructor and with an RN. It really just comes down to she knew about it and she's trying to say she didn't or maybe she forgot.

They have been telling from the very beginning to not do things that we weren't supposed to do no matter how tempting it is. If anything goes wrong then it's on us. Though of course i have heard the stories form other people about what they were allowed to get away with at their clinical, and I have thought to myself that it isn't a good idea because though its a valuable learning experience its not worth getting kicked out of school.

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

thats terrible...i can give meds/injections with nurse as long as i get the okay from my clinical instructor..she cant be in five places at once...in your situation, i would NEVER give another med unless the instructor is present..no matter what she "says"