title: Exploring the issue of failure to fail in a nursing program.
abstract: A study using a qualitative descriptive design was undertaken to explore the issue of "failure to fail" in a nursing program. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with nursing university faculty members, preceptors, and faculty advisors (n=13). Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results indicate that: (a) failing a student is a difficult process; (b) both academic and emotional support are required for students and preceptors and faculty advisors; (c) there are consequences for programs, faculty, and students when a student has failed a placement; (d) at times, personal, professional, and structural reasons exist for failing to fail a student; and (e) the reputation of the professional program can be diminished as a result of failing to fail a student. Recommendations for improving assessment, evaluation, and intervention with a failing student include documentation, communication, and support. These findings have implications for improving the quality of clinical experiences.
authors.affiliation: Laurentian University of Sudbury, Greater Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada. slarocque@laurentian.ca
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Larocque
authors.forename: Florence Loyce
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Luhanga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D004510:Education, Nursing, Diploma Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011361:Professional Competence; D013338:Students, Nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult