The aftermath of complaining about mistreatment

HeiseC · Aug 30, 2012

I complained about the class as a whole being treated horribly. There is a current investigation being conducted by the dean. People are figuring out that it was me that complained. Now I'm worried the teacher will find a reason to dismiss me.I don't have perfect grades but decent grades. I have missed time because of personal things I couldnt control and I have been late on assignments 2-3 times during my entire school career. I'm so scared that this teacher is going to target me now. I wish now that I hadn't complained but it's too late now. What can I do to make sure I'm not kicked out over this. I worried the instructor will find some reason, any reason to get rid of me once they hear it was me. The other students just keep talking about who did it, somehow someone found out and told everyone else. I'm at a loss. What would you do?

honestly, keep your ducks all in a row. if you are targeted and kicked out, at least you can say that what ever it may be, isn't true. Life happens. we can't push pause for a year or less and press play when we want to. Stand your ground and believe firmly in what you believe. If anything, go to the dean and explain. if you have witnesses, bring them with you. no one has to suffer, and if you feel like your being mistreated, you have a right as a student and a human being to speak up. they're supposed to facilitate your learning and form a great nurse out of you, (other than personality of course). You have a lot more to stress about than everyone thinking you did it. who knows, maybe it was for the better.

nekozuki, LPN · Aug 31, 2012

A girl in our program would go straight to the principal's office every time she failed a test, and we KNEW she had a target on her back. She ended up getting kicked out for bad conduct, but only when half the class complained about HER (she was a miserable person who wanted special treatment that became excessively unfair). How you proceed depends on how thick your skin is, and how much you wish to stick to your guns.

1. Does the entire class feel the same way? Did they give you a congratulatory slap on the back, or act coldly toward you? If they don't agree, they may feel angry that you decided to speak for them when they don't necessarily feel the same way. Catch them at lunch, explain yourself and apologize for any awkwardness it caused them (this doesn't mean you invalidate what you did).

2. Is the relationship with the teacher unsalvagable? Who knows how quickly the situation might be diffused, or at least made less tense, if you stayed behind after school to discuss your concerns with your teacher. Did you take the proper steps with your grievance, or not follow the chain of command and zip right on up to administration? Understanding how your instructor feels might make it easier to approach her.

3. Is what you did absolutely, indisputably right. Push all the hurt feelings aside, and objectively, calmly consider if the situation was serious enough to warrant what you did. Were you really just being a little sensitive and unwilling to deal with not being treated like a special, delicate snowflake? Then do what you must to mend relationships and toughen up. Do you still feel that you were wronged and have no moral qualms about what you did? Then stick to your guns, keep your head high and don't be ashamed. Whispers die down. The matter is under investigation. Focus on your work, and you'll be fine.

eelise11 · Aug 31, 2012

The entire class has the same exact complaints, however everyone was afraid of the possible reprimand to say anything. This instructor has bee approached by multiple students as to decisions and actions made and only met with confrontational treatment, belittling, yelling, etc. this instructor deliberately belittles students in front of the entire class, discusses students personal affairs in front of the class, has called students names but tried to pass it off as a joke, and these are only a few things that's happened.It's a near daily occurrence that I started to keep detailed tack of after I realized this would be the normal treatment.I read so much about students being kicked out of school for complaining and I'm so afraid of that however, I am not the only one tht feels this way. Apparently, administration spoke with a few students, a few of the, backed up my complaints and validated them. two, which are teachers favorites and get perfect grades and private meetings with the instructor wouldn't validate the claims. A few weren't spoken with but wanted to make their concerns known as well. So I am not alone behind the scenes but I fear I may be alone with th ball drops. I figured all I can do is buckle down, ace my exams. Make sure myself and my work i on time and stay as low under the radar as I can. I'm just not sure how much that will help or how I can make sure I'm not kicks out for having complaints that were collaborated by other students.

eelise11 · Aug 31, 2012

Also, this is e only time that I've ever complained. I should mention as well tht I did go to a high command because oth student complained to th appropriate people and were ignored. Sorry for the errors, I'm having keyboard issues at the moment,

kfactor · Sep 1, 2012

I must say I think you are brave for speaking up but I do feel concerned for you. I really agree with the comment about your right to speak up if you feel you are being mistreated. I feel that students deserve respect and support and guidance. I wish I had seen that more in my final course in the LPN coursework at my school. Unfortunately the atmosphere in my last course was one that engendered fear and to add to it the students were consistently undermining each other in a really disconcerting way. It was a very difficult course and lightning fast and I while I was lucky to do rather well grade wise (and be among the passing half at the end alone) I felt like I was struggling to keep my focus in an unendingly negative environment. I hated feeling like I was constantly needing to watch my back and I know that the experience did not help me become a better care giver in any way - just a more cynical one. One woman's situation for being suspended just still bothers me - as her mistake was innocent and one I know is common. The hard part was learning that it was another student that reported her mistake. I was disheartened over the situation but not surprised in the least. She was the first of many to be dismissed or suspended in my class. Anyway I just feel for you and admire your bravery. I am sorry you are being targeted for bringing the administration's attention to an unhealthy situation. In terms of advice - well I really wish I had more. I found that being a really strong student grade-wise always counted for a lot and might be helpful if you can perform as well as possible. I would try to excel on exams and other "objective" performance indicators and do everything by the books as much as is possible from here on out. Also I really treasured a few professors whom in your shoes I may have turned to - but again I would have done so cautiously given that I had reported the behavior of a colleague. Of course I would have as much specific documentation as you can tucked away in case things do "go down. I hope you have outside support and that you can stay grounded throughout the course.