The Struggle Is Real: Investigating the Challenge of Assigning a Failing Clinical Grade

The aim of the study was to explore the relationships between role strain, faculty stress, and perceived organizational support for nurse faculty who faced the decision to assign a failing clinical grade.

Although faculty are responsible for assigning a grade reflecting students' competence and ability to practice safely, faculty find it troublesome and stressful to assign a failing clinical grade.

A national sample consisting of 390 nursing faculty completed an online four-part questionnaire with an open-ended question. Data were analyzed using parametric statistical testing and conventional content analysis.

Statistically significant relationships were found between role strain, faculty stress, and perceived organizational support. Ten issues related to system breakdown were identified. Most (82.6 percent) reported assigning the failing grade; many reported changes in teaching practices following the deliberation to assign a failing grade.

The decision to assign a failing clinical grade remains a significant issue for undergraduate and graduate clinical nurse faculty.