What would you do?

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The policy in our school is that if you miss more then 4 classes or 1.5 days of clinical you are withdrawn from the term. It also states that if you are absent a day of a test, (which is every class session we are tested), you must make it up with a maximum possible score of 70.

There is a girl in my class, one whom shows no respect to the teachers, is horribly rude to other students and CONSISTENTLY shows up late to class. She has missed 5 days of lecture, and been late to class several others. Three tardies counts as one absence. She also has missed clinical, and when she does come, she comes late. We estimated her total absences to exceed 7, all with no other excuse then "I woke up late"!

That being said, she has missed 5 tests. All of those tests were not only allowed to be made up without her having a proper reason for being late, (she just woke up late ect.), but she has been allowed to take all 5 tests and pass with 70+ points. Basically she takes the tests that we know are going to be very difficult (the ones shes always conveniently missing), and just doesnt come to class. That way she has an extra day to study, AND shes allowed to make higher then a 70 on the test. Yet she always shows up just in time for lecture to start.

Today it happened again. Were lectured on 45 pages AND given 10 drugs to memorize yesterday, for two tests this morning. Guess who didn't show up to class until the tests were over today? You guessed it. So we all just figured the teacher would finally say, enough is enough and kick her out of the program for failing to meet the guidelines and standards of the schools attendance policy.

Apparently that wasn't the case. Not only is she allowed to make up BOTH tests, but she has ALL memorial weekend to study for them! :uhoh21: Almost everyone in the class, aside from her 3 friends in the back, were just so puzzled we didn't know what to do. It makes NO sense. We lost 5 people this term because the rules were applied to them TO THE LETTER. Yet this girl, who treats the teacher like trash and constantly is abrasive and rude to other students is immune to the rules?

To top things off, the teacher notified the head nurse at school and they are changing the schools policies for test retaking starting next term for everyone! Now if someone misses a test, for a legitimate reason or not, they will be given a 50-100 question test, all fill in the blank answers. Instead of kicking this student out of the program, they are instead letting her slip by and punishing the rest of us whom might actually NEED to miss a day in the future! I have never missed one class, NOR been late. Yet now I will be penalized harshly if I am because of this students abuse of the system and my teachers allowing it.

I honestly dont know what to do... Some students and I might be taking this to the head nurse at our school and demand some answers. What do you guys think? I need some advice! :trout:

Specializes in Emergency.

I had a similar experience in school. We (the students) complained to no avail. My advice is much like others on this post: keep your side of the street clean, be where you are supposed to be, and do what you need to to pass and graduate. I think that we have all seen the special treatment that some students get, and although it pisses me off, I sucked it up and graduated. I agree that karma has a way of biting you in the ass eventually, so in both our situations, I think we will be practicing long after that other person isnt!

Amy

All I can say is I hope the school wises up and gets this student out before she hurts someone.

Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I think that your best bet is as Daytonite and others mention....keep your nose to the grindstone and get yourself (and your friends) out of school and off to being awesome, caring nurses. It sounds like this girl will either hang herself soon enough -- OR -- her connections or whatever she's got going for her now will catch up with her.

We used a phrase where I used to work about some of our crappy managers -- "Wonder who (s)he has pictures of?" -- lol. Sometimes you just gotta' go with that attitude and move along! Some of us just gotta' play by the rules and some (think: Paris Hilton) believe the rules don't apply to them. Karma....

The same thing is happening at my school so I know the feeling. Although unfair, it really isn't anyones business but hers. I figure there is no sense getting all worked up about it because there are enouph things to be stressed about in school and life in general. Also, if thats how she is going to conduct herself then I believe she will definatly get whats coming to her eventually.

She's only shooting herself in the foot. How will she be able to pass any tests if she isn't at class? Let it unfold, you probably won't have to worry about her much longer b/c she won't be able to pass.

this situation happens everywhere in life. i personally ask myself this question when things like this happen. it's is this my issue? my learning is my responsibility and foolishness like this doesn't affect me. i don't let someone else's drama distract me from my goal.

The rules ought to apply to everybody. Maybe some of you need to make an appt with the Dean.

That said, you need to focus on YOU. Why are you in nursing school? Does it really matter to you if she flunks or passes with flying colors? Focus on what you are doing and let the other ride. I bet she has trouble with the licensure exam, but so what! You are in this for YOUR license, not hers, so focus on that. Eliminate one stressor from your life.

I've seen this for four semesters, and I witness it each day that I am at work. I decided a long time ago to make sure that I am doing things correctly, as I am the only person that I can control.

:)

-Jenny

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