What should I do?

Hi,

I am currently on a placement on a medical ward at a local acute hospital but I am having problems.

The problem is I am a third year student and I am expected as part of my assessment to be managing patients and a team of people. I don't mind that bit, but the problem is I go in to work ready to take on the challenge on managing but seem to be faced with resistance from my mentor who keeps deciding that she is going to take control of the patients and the team.

I ask if I can manage a bay of patients and any staff who happen to be working in that bay however I constantly sense (through her body language) that she disapproves of this and occasionally she says no.

I then get told later in the day that I need to 'up my game' if I am going to be passed on this part of the assessment. However when I try to it seems that I am getting shot down and not being given the chance to prove I can manage.

I feel like going in and telling her I want to take charge rather than asking if I can. I am worried that this approach may upset other staff including the HCA's.

What should I do?

I am getting stressed about this as I need to pass this in order to complete the placement.