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.
I would tell the entire truth in writing and in person. I WOULD NOT drag anyone else into the fray. I understand that you are rightfully upset but its unfair to drag your classmates into it. How will you feel if a classmate with borderline performance gets dragged in and sides with the instructor ? There is just no way to know how others will react to being confronted with what the instructor said vs. what you say. The bottom line is that you don't have the power to fail them and no one in their right mind will make an enemy of a clinical instructor because clinicals are so subjective. Amnesia can develop very quickly and resentment towards you even quicker. Stand up for yourself as a professional, honest person. But this is really between the instructor and you. You have ONE job in nursing school and that is to successfully complete the program. Thats it. Hope it works out for you and hang in there.
My mom has been a RN for thirty years and she offfered me very valuable advice: If it's not going to fail you, keep your mouth shut! I had an instructor that graded our tests based on what she knew to be the truth, not on what the book said. I was a straight A student and I wanted the grade I felt I deserved. After getting a C on my first test, I wanted to go and argue my point. I went in with the intention of getting "help". After getting "help", and arguing my points, the instructor didn't budge. After that day, I kept my mouth closed because I learned it doesn't pay to rock the boat!
No way that mtg is about you. That instructor is trying to scare you to get you to lie or catch you up so she can get out of the trouble she is in by blaming it on a flip-floppy, wishy-washy student! Nuh-uh. Stick to your guns and tell the truth. A "U" is not the end of the world. If they told you that injections weren't allowed, then a "U" might be deserved. For the day, not for the semester. And if they are all about thinking you are being deceitful, ask them why you would even mention it to another instructor if you thought you were being shady and trying to get away with something. Seriously, though, that first instructor is in a wad of deep poo-poo. Just tell the truth and try not to step in it. That mtg is soooooo not about you!
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
That's pretty slimy! I don't think it's right that the meeting to decide your fate is being held without you before you get a chance to present your side of the issue in a full and complete manner. I'd request a meeting where all the players are present. Everyone should have the right to confront their accuser! Politely. Of course--- but imagine if you do try to cover her butt and her superiors know who is telling the truth. If so, you would be in the doo-doo tank.
Op- haul out your school's handbook and any paperwork given to you by the clinical facility regarding skills. Bring your skills card that shows you were checked off and that she signed it. Bring signed statements from any witnesses. Show them that you followed your school's policy on skill performance.
Get the signed statements so that people do not misremember things after having talk with instructor. I am a big fan of not fighting losing battles but since you are in the fight do not be tenantive. It makes you look weak and defensive. Do not go in cocky like I am right and you are all wrong though. They will ignore the facts and judge attitude. Keep it simple and repetitive. I did this after asking permission and receiving permission. Good luck it is a hard row to hoe. Ps. do not surrender any documentation. Bring a copy of all supporting evidence.
Had class today but nothing has happened as of yet. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. I made copies of my documentation though and I am working on finding other people that might be willing to stand up for me though I would never drag anyone in unless they agreed to it. Thanks everyone for the advice it really helped alot.
Conqueror+, BSN, RN
1,457 Posts
I would tell the entire truth in writing and in person. I WOULD NOT drag anyone else into the fray. I understand that you are rightfully upset but its unfair to drag your classmates into it. How will you feel if a classmate with borderline performance gets dragged in and sides with the instructor ? There is just no way to know how others will react to being confronted with what the instructor said vs. what you say. The bottom line is that you don't have the power to fail them and no one in their right mind will make an enemy of a clinical instructor because clinicals are so subjective. Amnesia can develop very quickly and resentment towards you even quicker. Stand up for yourself as a professional, honest person. But this is really between the instructor and you. You have ONE job in nursing school and that is to successfully complete the program. Thats it. Hope it works out for you and hang in there.