this seems like a good topic to post. i was taking a very difficult exam today and two people who were obviously cheating were doing so within earshot of me and others. so, i told them to stop for two reasons.
one, i could see that they were not going to stop themselves. they were engrossed in going from one question to the next without slowing down. in addition, the exam was long and there would be no way those of us around them would be able to concentrate with their constant "what did you get for...?" questions.
the second reason i stopped them was because i am an instructor/professor (not of this class) and it is my professional ethical obligation to stop cheaters and report the students i catch cheating. besides that, cheating is my number one pet peeve! :angryfire i have more respect for students that flat out take an "f" for being unprepared and who later ask for help then those who cheat and think they will learn the information later!
some of you are like me and already have a professional code of ethics you must follow so i would be interested in hearing what you think. i am also wondering what students who are not bound by codes of ethics would honestly do because i have heard different responses from those i know. most have said that they would mind his/her own business if it was not going to effect him/her negatively. so, i think this will be an interesting conversation.
my question to this group of future nurses (and current nurses) is what would you do or have you done in a similar situation? what's your take/spin ladies and gents?
Good for you. Cheaters need to go. I work very hard for my grades. I put in a lot of study time. I'd turn them in in a heartbeat. I'll be dog-goned if I'm going to let a couple of weasels take an easy way out like that. But, to do it so blatently! Where was the instructor? I've had a number of instructors who will sit at the back of the room because they can see cheaters easier. When I was at a large university they had proctors who walked up and down the aisles watching because there were several hundred students taking the test at the same time.
I'm an RN who is studying Health Infomation Management and we have to look up laws as part of some of our assignments. I have noted in reading through some of the state nursing laws that a number of states have specific law that requires nurses to report any knowledge they have of any licensed nurse violating the nursing law. I think that it's interesting that they have taken the trouble to have that written into the laws. It's probably because of the prevalent attitude you are going to hear here. This is not the first discussion of this subject on the forums. Generally, most people feel that it is not their place to get involved in these things. It is only a handful of us that are on your side. I suspect a great deal of it has to do with immaturity on the part of some as well as an undeveloped sense of responsibility. Most haven't had an opportunity to see the overall and long term effects of unethical behaviors such as cheating. They are stuck in a kind of us (the powerless) against them (people in charge) kind of thinking and that is a manifestation of their disdain for any authority. I also think that's an American attitude that is pretty well ingrained and partly comes from blue collar workers. I've found that many RNs still think of themselves as "workers" and not professionals.
Now, having said that, I have to say that one of my favorite movies is Cheats (not to be confused with Cheaters which is a true story about HS students), a comedy about high schoolers in a private school who have cheated their way through. To me, the best part is the "Answer Song" which is a silly song that consists of words beginning with the letters to the chronological answers of a multiple choice test (A, B, C, or D) that I just think is hilarious. And then there is the student who writes crib sheets "crazy small". The movie is a riot!
The 2 girls cheating in my chem class will be competing to get into the same nursing school as I'm applying to--which accepts on GPA only. The professor -if you want to call her that-- was so consumed with handing out the grades from the previous test and receiving tests from people that were finished with the current test, that these girls had the review notes right on their desk under their tests. I saw this as I was leaving the classroom and wanted to say something and didnt. I still regret not saying anything. I ended up one point away from getting an A in that class. Partly due to a question I missed on that specific test. Had I used MY notes, I would have made an A in the class. Meanwhile, I walked away with a B and they probably got A's. These are the same people that may be standing over your bed some day administering the wrong meds or some other type of malpractice because they cheated their way through.
If I ever see cheating again, beleive me I will point it out.
I would have told the instructor immediately. You mentioned that you could not concentrate on the test because they were whispering the answers back and forth. That alone is reason enough to stop it before the end of the exam.
When you told them to stop, did you do so in such a way that the instructor realized what was going on? What happened after you said that? If it had been me, I would have gone up to the instructor holding my paper as if I were asking her a question about the exam, and whispered to her what was going on. Then I would have returned to my seat and not gotten further involved unless needed to explain what I heard in some sort of disciplinary hearing.
Don't worry about what the other students think of you. NOONE wants to see cheaters prosper, and many people only wish they had the guts to do what you did. You are to be commended for that.
Good for you. Cheaters need to go. I work very hard for my grades. I put in a lot of study time. I'd turn them in in a heartbeat. I'll be dog-goned if I'm going to let a couple of weasels take an easy way out like that. But, to do it so blatently! Where was the instructor? I've had a number of instructors who will sit at the back of the room because they can see cheaters easier. When I was at a large university they had proctors who walked up and down the aisles watching because there were several hundred students taking the test at the same time.
I'm an RN who is studying Health Infomation Management and we have to look up laws as part of some of our assignments. I have noted in reading through some of the state nursing laws that a number of states have specific law that requires nurses to report any knowledge they have of any licensed nurse violating the nursing law. I think that it's interesting that they have taken the trouble to have that written into the laws. It's probably because of the prevalent attitude you are going to hear here. This is not the first discussion of this subject on the forums. Generally, most people feel that it is not their place to get involved in these things. It is only a handful of us that are on your side. I suspect a great deal of it has to do with immaturity on the part of some as well as an undeveloped sense of responsibility. Most haven't had an opportunity to see the overall and long term effects of unethical behaviors such as cheating. They are stuck in a kind of us (the powerless) against them (people in charge) kind of thinking and that is a manifestation of their disdain for any authority. I also think that's an American attitude that is pretty well ingrained and partly comes from blue collar workers. I've found that many RNs still think of themselves as "workers" and not professionals.
Now, having said that, I have to say that one of my favorite movies is Cheats (not to be confused with Cheaters which is a true story about HS students), a comedy about high schoolers in a private school who have cheated their way through. To me, the best part is the "Answer Song" which is a silly song that consists of words beginning with the letters to the chronological answers of a multiple choice test (A, B, C, or D) that I just think is hilarious. And then there is the student who writes crib sheets "crazy small". The movie is a riot!
Thanks for linking that thread - I've never figured out how to do that. :)
And I agree with you. There is this sense that if you stand up for what is right, you are a "narc". And heaven forbid you become one of those awful things.
If someone will cheat on a test, they will cheat again and maybe that will come when they are figuring out a dosage for a med that is keeping my family member alive. Yeah, that is just the kind of nurse I want taking care of my family.
I don't believe in "karma". Bad people get away with bad things all the time. Mostly because some people are afraid of telling the truth.
In a lab my group got the instructors answer sheet, and they all started cheating. I snatched the paper out of the girls hands and took it to the front of the class. She yelled at me, "what are you doing!" I said, "I need to learn this. Cheating isn't going to help me pass the lab exam, and I care about my grades. If you want to cheat get out of my group." The whole group got quite and we finished our lab haha. Sometimes you just have to be a *itch.
In a lab my group got the instructors answer sheet, and they all started cheating. I snatched the paper out of the girls hands and took it to the front of the class. She yelled at me, "what are you doing!" I said, "I need to learn this. Cheating isn't going to help me pass the lab exam, and I care about my grades. If you want to cheat get out of my group." The whole group got quite and we finished our lab haha. Sometimes you just have to be a *itch.
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
Cheating is inappropriate and shame on the instructors for not at least walking around and stopping it themselves. It amazes me that two people taking an exam could be talking and it not be noted by proctors.
I think I would have brought it to the instructor or proctors attention rather than take it into my own hands. Needs to be several consequences for this. Most Universities have ethical codes requiring a student to report cheating, but is it followed??
I totally agree that instructors should walk around and this one did. However, once he came near them they piped up as most cheaters do (I have had a similar experience as an instructor where students knew a group of other students cheated and were angry that they got away with it in my class but catching them as an instructor was very hard to do). In fact, when I brought this to his attention he was aware (or at least suspected) and now he has proof (other students and myself).
Other students and I sat next to them and watched and heard them ask questions and give out answers. So I am 100% sure. In fact, when I asked them to stop they at least stopped verbally giving each other the answers. I am unsure of any other methods the students may have used to cheat and I made that clear to the instructor.
I think it is awful that your instructor only suspected you, but you proved yourself admirably. I had teachers (secondary and primary school) not think anything of my abilities and they gave me a hard time. However, like you I have proved them wrong.:)
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
If it had been me, I would have gone up to the instructor holding my paper as if I were asking her a question about the exam, and whispered to her what was going on. Then I would have returned to my seat and not gotten further involved unless needed to explain what I heard in some sort of disciplinary hearing.
Don't worry about what the other students think of you. NOONE wants to see cheaters prosper, and many people only wish they had the guts to do what you did. You are to be commended for that.
Thank you for your words of advice and support. You have really good ideas. I had not thought of pretending to ask a question. In fact, now that you mention it, I noticed a few students next to me getting up during the exam to ask a question. Maybe they were informing him to keep his eyes open?
Thank you for your words of advice and support. You have really good ideas. I had not thought of pretending to ask a question. In fact, now that you mention it, I noticed a few students next to me getting up during the exam to ask a question. Maybe they were informing him to keep his eyes open?
It's possible! And I guarantee you that other students were silently applauding your actions. If I were in your class, heck, I'd be applauding out loud!!!
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
I don't believe in "karma". Bad people get away with bad things all the time. Mostly because some people are afraid of telling the truth.
steph
I agree with you! The main reason people get away with doing wrong in this world is because good people stand back, watch, and do nothing to stop the behavior.
good for you. cheaters need to go. i work very hard for my grades. i put in a lot of study time. i'd turn them in in a heartbeat. i'll be dog-goned if i'm going to let a couple of weasels take an easy way out like that. but, to do it so blatently! where was the instructor? i've had a number of instructors who will sit at the back of the room because they can see cheaters easier. when i was at a large university they had proctors who walked up and down the aisles watching because there were several hundred students taking the test at the same time.
i'm an rn who is studying health infomation management and we have to look up laws as part of some of our assignments. i have noted in reading through some of the state nursing laws that a number of states have specific law that requires nurses to report any knowledge they have of any licensed nurse violating the nursing law. i think that it's interesting that they have taken the trouble to have that written into the laws. it's probably because of the prevalent attitude you are going to hear here. this is not the first discussion of this subject on the forums. generally, most people feel that it is not their place to get involved in these things. it is only a handful of us that are on your side. i suspect a great deal of it has to do with immaturity on the part of some as well as an undeveloped sense of responsibility. most haven't had an opportunity to see the overall and long term effects of unethical behaviors such as cheating. they are stuck in a kind of us (the powerless) against them (people in charge) kind of thinking and that is a manifestation of their disdain for any authority. i also think that's an american attitude that is pretty well ingrained and partly comes from blue collar workers. i've found that many rns still think of themselves as "workers" and not professionals.
now, having said that, i have to say that one of my favorite movies is cheats (not to be confused with cheaters which is a true story about hs students), a comedy about high schoolers in a private school who have cheated their way through. to me, the best part is the "answer song" which is a silly song that consists of words beginning with the letters to the chronological answers of a multiple choice test (a, b, c, or d) that i just think is hilarious. and then there is the student who writes crib sheets "crazy small". the movie is a riot!
hi-i resent the red remard highlighted above........i think it is good to express your opinion about the cheaters and those who are asking the question, however i don't know that i would be "suspect" and assume how some of us (like myself) who have advised her possibly not to say anything. nothing takes away from her own studies than being obsessed by what these other two girls are doing, they are nothing but a distraction at this point. additionally, i have a bachelors degree already and i am going back for my rn as a career change...i was simply offering a different perspective. i am no weaker (notice i specified i am the only one offering the opinion, doesn't make it any less valid). i also specified if it were in a clinical setting it's a whole different ballgame. the "long term effects" since you're a scientist now is those who fall to those poor decisions pay for it in the long run, i agree...do they need me to throw them under the bus any quicker, no....i'm here for me and that is the only person i need to worry about. i don't think she should worry about anyone other than herself. this is just my opinion.
We have weekly quizzes in our micro lab....today I was taking my quizz and the girls across from me who don't study were stretching their necks trying to peep onto my paper....well, I picked it up so that they couldn't sneak anything off......it tickles me how they are struggling because they don't study, they have excuse after excuse after excuse. I work my butt off, I'll be darned to have them "steal" from me
Daytonite, BSN, RN
1 Article; 14,604 Posts
https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/what-would-you-do-141570.html this is the tread about the girlfriend signing in her boyfriend to nursing class. Lot of replies on the ethics of doing that.
Good for you. Cheaters need to go. I work very hard for my grades. I put in a lot of study time. I'd turn them in in a heartbeat. I'll be dog-goned if I'm going to let a couple of weasels take an easy way out like that. But, to do it so blatently! Where was the instructor? I've had a number of instructors who will sit at the back of the room because they can see cheaters easier. When I was at a large university they had proctors who walked up and down the aisles watching because there were several hundred students taking the test at the same time.
I'm an RN who is studying Health Infomation Management and we have to look up laws as part of some of our assignments. I have noted in reading through some of the state nursing laws that a number of states have specific law that requires nurses to report any knowledge they have of any licensed nurse violating the nursing law. I think that it's interesting that they have taken the trouble to have that written into the laws. It's probably because of the prevalent attitude you are going to hear here. This is not the first discussion of this subject on the forums. Generally, most people feel that it is not their place to get involved in these things. It is only a handful of us that are on your side. I suspect a great deal of it has to do with immaturity on the part of some as well as an undeveloped sense of responsibility. Most haven't had an opportunity to see the overall and long term effects of unethical behaviors such as cheating. They are stuck in a kind of us (the powerless) against them (people in charge) kind of thinking and that is a manifestation of their disdain for any authority. I also think that's an American attitude that is pretty well ingrained and partly comes from blue collar workers. I've found that many RNs still think of themselves as "workers" and not professionals.
Now, having said that, I have to say that one of my favorite movies is Cheats (not to be confused with Cheaters which is a true story about HS students), a comedy about high schoolers in a private school who have cheated their way through. To me, the best part is the "Answer Song" which is a silly song that consists of words beginning with the letters to the chronological answers of a multiple choice test (A, B, C, or D) that I just think is hilarious. And then there is the student who writes crib sheets "crazy small". The movie is a riot!