How do I challenge my student to put forth their best effort when I feel a certain way about a student?

NURS6351 Discussion Response #1: Ethical and Legal Parameters for Nurse Educators

 

Respond to the discussion #1 below using the following approaches:

1.    Respond by proposing strategies for minimizing and managing legal challenges.

2.    Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information or research.

 

Discussion #1

 

Ethical Challenge: Providing education to a student who the instructor does not feel is choosing the correct career pathway

The role of the nurse educator is one that should be taken seriously and with high regard. As a nursing educator you are to empower your students to be the best medical practitioner possible. What happens however when you have a student whom you feel has chosen the wrong career path? I can’t say that a person’s single opinion should not make a definitive weigh in on a person’s true potential; but often a skilled educator can identify those who will thrive in the profession and those who will have a more difficult transition. Salminen et.al. (2013) discuss the educator’s professional role and how ethical principles and knowledge impact their ability to teach.  What was confirmed from that study is that the more knowledgeable the educator the better impact they have with students regarding conflict as discussed and struggles revolving around the student interaction.

Ethically, it is not recommended that we use our feelings to determine a student’s potential; but rather utilize the clear black and white objectives that define successful completion of any clinical/nursing rotation.

Questions that would come as a result of this situation would be:

1.   How do I challenge my student to put forth their best effort when I feel a certain way about a student?

2.   How do I provide education to a student who I feel doesn’t appear to thrive in nursing without bias?

3.   How can I encourage a student to continue on in a program when I do not think this career path is a good fit for them?

4.   Is it my place to recommend a different career pathway if their test grades are excellent but their personality at the bedside and their ability to provide passionate care is weak?