Display options
Cite
Frank NJ. Dealing with the aftermath of student failure: Strategies for nurse educators. J Prof Nurs. 2020;36(6):514-519doi: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.04.009.
Frank, N. J. (2020). Dealing with the aftermath of student failure: Strategies for nurse educators. Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 36(6), 514-519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.04.009
Frank, Nancy J. "Dealing with the aftermath of student failure: Strategies for nurse educators." Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing vol. 36,6 (2020): 514-519. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.04.009
Frank NJ. Dealing with the aftermath of student failure: Strategies for nurse educators. J Prof Nurs. 2020 Nov - Dec;36(6):514-519. doi: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.04.009. Epub 2020 Apr 18. PMID: 33308549.
Copy Download .nbib Format: NLM
Share it on

J Prof Nurs. 2020 Nov - Dec;36(6):514-519. doi: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.04.009. Epub 2020 Apr 18.

Dealing with the aftermath of student failure: Strategies for nurse educators.

Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Nancy J Frank

Affiliations

  1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1010 Oakland Avenue, 215 Johnson Hall, Indiana, PA 15705, USA; Messiah College, One College Avenue, Suite 3031, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 33308549 DOI: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.04.009

Abstract

Although nurse educators may prefer to avert student failure, they need to handle the situation competently when failure occurs. Thus, faculty should know how to inform the student and administration of course failure, process their own emotions, and learn from the experience. However, many nurse educators lack confidence in dealing with the consequences of assigning a failing grade. This manuscript aims to provide foundational knowledge on managing student failure after it happens. Planning the timing, setting, and conversation can ease this challenging process. Despite faculty attempts to present the information compassionately, students may react aggressively. Consequently, faculty should develop a strategy to maintain safety. In addition, faculty may find it daunting to notify administrators of a student's failure, but preparing objective data based on missed course outcomes can promote administrator support of the decision. This factual rationale for the course failure also assists the faculty during a potential student appeal. Following the initial conversations with the student and administration, faculty should plan a time of respite to recover from the conflicting emotions that typically results from assigning a failing grade. Additionally, individual reflection and discussion with a mentor will help the educator to process the experience and grow professionally.

Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Academic failure; Nurse faculty; Nursing education; Nursing students; Student evaluation

MeSH terms

Publication Types