Would you let your lab partners copy from you?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jul 30, 2017

"I really don't want to risk my future as a nurse before I even get started, so please understand that I cannot allow you to submit my work as your own."

Lexi16 · Jul 30, 2017

You could always tell them that you're struggling aswell; even if you aren't. Its just a little lie for everyone's good. They probably wont ask you if you tell them that.

Cherokeegirl08 · Jul 30, 2017

Nope...nope

xxstarrynitesxx · Jul 30, 2017

To be completely honest, allowing someone to copy off of you tends to hurt them. The first thought that popped into my head was literally, "They are not going to be happy with their overall grades." Being able to understand the problems and putting in the work is why you were able to score higher on exams. Simply put, they cheated themselves. If they were to make it into nursing school with you, would you trust them to have the knowledge to save someone else's life or to help you? I understand that people may have a changed mindset and put forth the effort once it truly matters, but that is rare.

I have told classmates that I am uncomfortable with having someone copy off of me (academic integrity), but I am willing to help walk them through problems they may not understand. I will also encourage them to talk to the professor about their situation, bring any applicable medical documentation with them, and to turn in what they do have (some points is better than nothing and one assignment usually does not kill a grade). I have only ever had one person not take me up on my offer to help or some of the other things that I mentioned. She did understand were I was coming from and respected my view on the matter.

There are definitely ways to say "no" without creating enemies. There will be some people that may take it badly either way. This is your journey and you do not want to jeopardize your hard work.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Jul 30, 2017

I was in a similar situation in Micro and A&P. I finally just said no, or offered them my notes instead of the work that I'd actually completed. I know it's hard, because generally we want people to like us - but it's really best for them in the long run.

Good luck!

FutureNurseInfo · Jul 30, 2017

First of all, I do not understand why they felt annoyed at the grade the got? Did it come as a surprise to them that they had not studied all semester and only copied form you? As for you, I know how you feel. I was in quite similar position. I also had to work in a group in lab, but, unlike you, we only had to hand in one lab report per group. So, yeah, most of this work fell on my shoulders. I, in fact, was happy to do so because I could not reply on two teens who only cared about girls, and one middl aged woman who admitted she would be ok getting a D. During the midterms, well, let's just say she was not shy to state she would be copying me! I was just appalled. However, the professor was not an idiot and saw everything. What I am trying to say is, sometimes it is ok to help out, but when you see that people take advantage of your kindness, then you should stop helping altogether. And do not worry, those students most likely will not be your classmates in the program: with the attitude like theirs, they will not make it to far.

caliotter3 · Jul 30, 2017

It is quite possible the instructor can notice the plagiarism. That gives the instructor the option to deal with you as well as the others. Don't continue to place yourself in this position.

OsceanSN2018 · Jul 30, 2017

This! I had a similar situation my first semester in college where I just let my lab partner do all the work and copied from her labs. I still had that lazy mindset coming straight out of highschool, and I obviously didn't put out much effort into doing my own work.

Well long strong short, I got an A on all of my lab reports but got a big fat F on my lab final. Haha, obviously I deserved that F and I learned my lesson. My partner wasn't surprised at all when I told her about my final exam grade either. I was the only one in the course that failed the final too, so I had to retake it.

I am no longer like that and I have come a long ways to know that copying off from people will probably help you ace all the assignments, but if you're not really learning anything then it is worth squat when you can't even pass the exams. Plus, it's not ethical to do so as nursing students. So, that's why your classmates has such low grades.

Wiggly Litchi · Jul 30, 2017

I don't think you're being dramatic - I think you've got every right to be annoyed.

Copying and laziness seems to be the norm for some folks; I haven't taken a class yet where someone hasn't asked to copy my work...

Some folks have tried the "I didn't have time..." card, and others have outright said "Well I can't be bothered to look through my noted to find the answers to the study guide."

I'll never let anyone copy my work; I bust my ass for my 4.0, and if people want As then they have to work for them just like i do. :/

You can be kind but firm - say that you're not comfortable giving your work out for people to copy, or just say that you'll help them figure out the answer.

For some folks, college is likely the first place where they're going to have to be accountable for themselves academically; they're going to have to learn fast that they're going to have to carry themselves.

As others have said; you also place yourself at risk for academic dishonesty - you're working way too hard to let lazy folks ruin this for you.

Serhilda, ADN, RN · Jul 31, 2017

During my pre-reqs, I usually fibbed and said I was really struggling with the material and needed help myself then I'd wish them the best of luck. Always worked.