You are working with a nursing student from an undergraduate
nursing program. She does not perform an exam of the cranial nerves correctly.
You discuss this with her outside the exam room and she denies that she did the
examination incorrectly and that she got checked off on physical assessment.
What do you say to her? Defend your rationale with references (APA format).
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is important to address any concerns regarding the performance of our students, be it in exams or practical assessments. In this scenario, we are dealing with a nursing student who has not performed the cranial nerve exam correctly and is denying any wrongdoing. This answer will discuss the approach that should be taken in such a situation and how it is supported by references in the APA format.
Answer:
When faced with a situation where a nursing student denies having made an error in a practical assessment, it is essential to approach the situation with empathy and professionalism. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that our students are aware of their strengths and weaknesses to help them reach their full potential. In this case, the nursing student needs to understand that the assessment is not just a matter of getting checked off on a list but also a vital skill that they will need to perform throughout their nursing career.
To address the student’s behavior, a direct conversation about their performance in the exam should be initiated outside the exam room. The professor needs to be clear and concise in communicating their concerns and direct the student towards resources that can help improve their skills. The discussion should focus on the reasons why the student failed to perform the cranial nerve exam correctly and how they can improve in the future.
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses, nurses must provide care that is within their scope of practice and continuously improve their knowledge and skillset. ANA also emphasizes that the nursing profession is accountable to the public, and nurses must practice with integrity and honesty. Therefore, it is essential to provide constructive feedback to students so that they can mature professionally and achieve their goals.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when faced with a student in denial regarding their performance in practical assessments, teachers must approach the situation with empathy and professionalism. Communication and constructive feedback are essential to help students learn from their experiences and improve their skills. Therefore, we must adhere to the standards of professional practice set by the ANA code of ethics and guide students towards becoming competent and ethical nurses.
