NR537 Week 7: Scholarly Discussion: Learner’s Behavior
One of your learners asks to speak to you privately about a concern. Upon entering your office and providing for privacy, the learner slowly and then more forcibly begins to speak. She tells you that she is considering filing a formal grievance against you for age discrimination. During the last formative evaluation conference, you identified concerns in the areas of
(a) patient safety; and
(b) application of knowledge related to medications.
The learner identifies that after several intense conversations with peers, she believes that you are discriminating due to age. The learner then identifies how the concerns related to patient safety and application of knowledge are due to your biased misperceptions. Select a learning environment (nursing professional development or academic), and provide information on how you would first respond to the learner in your office and then what responses would be appropriate at a later time.
NR537 Week 7: Scholarly Discussion: Learner’s Behavior Answer
Initial Response in the Office:
- Remain Calm and Open:
- Stay calm and composed while actively listening to the learner’s concerns. Demonstrate openness to understanding their perspective.
- Express Gratitude for Sharing:
- Thank the learner for bringing their concerns to your attention. Emphasize that open communication is essential for resolving any issues.
- Clarify Intentions:
- Clearly state that your intention is to support the learner’s growth and address any challenges. Reassure them that feedback is aimed at improving their skills, not based on personal biases.
- Ask for Specifics:
- Encourage the learner to provide specific instances where they felt age discrimination influenced the evaluation. This helps in understanding the learner’s perspective more comprehensively.
- Document the Discussion:
- Take notes during the conversation to document the learner’s concerns, your responses, and any specific examples provided. This documentation will be valuable for future reference.
- Commit to Investigation:
- Express your commitment to thoroughly investigate the matter. Assure the learner that you take their concerns seriously and are dedicated to resolving the issue impartially.
Responses at a Later Time:
- Gather Additional Information:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of the evaluations, considering both the concerns raised by the learner and the feedback provided during the formative evaluation conference.
- Seek Feedback from Peers:
- Consult with other educators or professionals involved in the evaluation process to gather additional perspectives. This can provide a more objective understanding of the situation.
- Review Policies and Procedures:
- Examine institutional policies and procedures related to discrimination allegations. Ensure that your response aligns with established protocols.
- Schedule a Follow-up Meeting:
- Arrange a follow-up meeting with the learner to discuss the findings of the investigation. This meeting should be conducted in a neutral and private setting.
- Address Specific Concerns:
- Address each specific concern raised by the learner, providing evidence and examples to either support or refute their claims. Maintain a professional and objective tone throughout.
- Explore Resolution Strategies:
- Collaborate with the learner to identify strategies for resolution. This might involve additional support, clarification of expectations, or targeted educational interventions.
- Document the Resolution Process:
- Document the steps taken to address the learner’s concerns and the outcomes of the investigation. This documentation is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability.
- Professional Development Opportunities:
- Offer opportunities for professional development that align with the learner’s identified areas of concern. This demonstrates a commitment to their growth and success.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Reflect on the incident and consider ways to enhance the evaluation process, ensuring fairness and objectivity in future assessments.
By approaching the situation with empathy, thorough investigation, and a commitment to resolution, you can address the learner’s concerns while upholding professional standards and ensuring a fair learning environment.
