Tricky/Unfair Nursing professor..HELP

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Oct 17, 2013

You have one advantage; you have already been exposed to the content. I'm sorry you did not pass the first time. But hey, you're getting a second chance at this. Some programs don't offer second chances. Dig deep and pass the class. The past is the past. You have the same professor. Just remember not to make the same mistakes (in regards to studying content) and prove to your peers, your instructor, and to yourself that you have what it takes to become a nurse!

Good luck!

AOx1 · Oct 18, 2013

Unfortunately, the school isn't going to say, 'what did the instructor do wrong to cause those 6 students to fail?'...the school is going to say, 'what did the 14 students who passed the course do differently than those you didn't pass?' I hate that it has to be that way and I hope it works out. You've already gotten this far, hang in there!

With nearly 3/4 of the students passing, the assumption should not be that the instructor "caused" students to fail. The instructor is not at fault when students opt not to do everything they can to succeed. For example, as an instructor, I often hold review sessions to help my students do well. The students are expected to come prepared with questions. We practice NCLEX questions and explore the rationale together. I hold them at lunch so that all can attend. In case you are curious, 100% of the students who earned As attended these sessions. Percentage of those who earned a grade do D or F who attended = 0%. I offered to review the notes of those who did poorly. None came. One student who failed asked to review her exam. When asked how long she studied for the exam (which covered 8 weeks of material), she indignantly answered "at least six hours!"

I can't want this more than the student. A student who wants to succeed takes notes during class (vs begging for power points), reads the signed reading, asks questions, studies at least three hours for every hour spent in class, and reviews errors for a chance to improve. They don't expect to have success handed to them. And yes, doing the above is very possible. I work full time, am nearly finished with my dissertation, have two kids, and am active in a volunteer agency. Your success in adult life depends on effort and is largely up to you.

OP, you have made it this far. Look at what you can do to succeed, instead of focusing on what you perceive as your instructor's shortcomings. One path gets you a license and the ability to self-direct your own learning. The other just brings you to a place where others are help responsible for your success or failure.

meeks123 · Oct 18, 2013

Same in one of my classes, 10 people failed, but 30 passed (myself included thank goodness)... The thing is that when you find yourself in one of those nearly impossible, you just have to study, study, and study your brains out.

Is your last class, you should've know somewhat what to expect from the previous class. Look to ratemyprofessor.com for study tips on that professor. Talk to the students from your previous cohort who passed the class, talk to the students who are passing now. Talk to the professor, can you record her lecture? listen to it in your car, listen to it when your tired. Read your book, study pratice NCLEX type questions on the areas you are studying.

futurefotorn · Oct 22, 2013

the dean DID not review the course. she just sat down and talked with her about what happened. Going into the final exam more than half the class was failing. and the "majority" of the class barley passed with the 75%. the teacher has also verbally said to our class that she didnt want to originally teach here but they needed the teacher so she agreed.

futurefotorn · Oct 22, 2013

without trying to start anything, SHE didn't fail 6 people, 6 people FAILED on their own. a majority still seemed to pass just fine.
I say this because in my program, so many people have this persecution complex and thing the instructors are out to get them when in fact they're just not studying/retaining the information they need
The DEAN reviewed this course and OK'd her to keep teaching. She's apparently doing a good job

forgot to quote you.

didnt seem to really read my post. im not persecuting her. looking for advice.

and i said she was unfair bc she wouldnt tell us which ques were changed and who got the points for what. didnt make sense to me. the DEAN DID NOT REVIEW the course.

vonnieb63 · May 12, 2014

Many of the nursing instructors have "god syndrome". They think they are being creative/tricky by making up tests that are basically unfair!! They know that no one can question them. No one will back up the student even if the correct answers are in the book very clearly written. They talk about ethics and honesty yet they are above those standards!! They talk about patient advocacy, what about student advocacy!!! Don't they know the best way to teach that is by showing it!!! NOT by "eating their young!!"

All I can say is May God have some mercy on them at judgement time!!