I just finished a nursing program but I have to sit for my NCLEX. I have waited for months to post this because of fear of retribution and problems from the school. Basically, I had an unbelievably bad experience with a clinical instructor and I cannot decide whether I should report her to the Board of Nursing.
First, I had witnessed some pretty atrocious abusive treatment of patients at this facility we were at for our clinicals. When I told her as I was supposed to do as a "mandated reporter," she warned me not to say anything. She reminded me that we were guests at this facility and that I was not to say anything.
Second, she encouraged all my fellow students to attack me at the clinical site when I helped a CNA help a patient who had expressed a distinct dislike for her. She had gotten in trouble with the DON over this patient. So when I helped the CNA care for this patient, she encouraged all the other students to attack me. I was unable to finish in the PM class and had to be transferred to the day class, which actually was a blessing because the clinical sites and instructors were better.
Third, she tells her students about this practice she engages in that I think is morally repugnant. She also works for a large facility that caters to the poor and homeless. When her patients are dying, she stuffs money into their hands, wait for them to die, then pry the money from their dead fingers. She claims that when she takes this money to go gambling in Las Vegas, she wins. She also collects money from other nurses so that they can also participate in this practice.
I am now finished with the program. The grades are in. I totally want to write a letter of complaint to the Board of Nursing about this instructor. I think she's beyond awful and has no business encouraging abuse coverup and lateral abuse among new nurses. Some people say "let it go." Should I?
I'm not afraid to report her now. I'm done with school.
