OT - Mad, MAd, MAD!!!

 So, today was the first day back at school.  My instructor knows that I had surgery because I tried to get her to let me take my final early last semester because they had to reschedule my surgery.  And she said "no" by the way.  But I was very clear at that time in telling her that I had not spoken to any of my classmates about it and didn't want her to say anything. (I am in a program with 11 other students, we are together for 2 years)  Since then, I have told some of them, but not all.  I had planned on it, on my own time, when the time was right.

Instead, at the beginning of class, during her welcome back how was your summer speech, she looks right at me (in front of the whole class) and says "Rebecca, you look great, so I see the surgery went well?"

I pretty much froze as all eyes were on me.  There was a reaaaaalllly long pause, and one of the girls that knew I had surgery pipes up and says, "the long pause would indicate she doesn't need to answer that."  My instructor puts her hand up over her mouth and in this ridiculously annoying voice says "oops" and starts laughing.

HELLO?!?!?!?!?!?   I AM FLAMING MAD!!!!  And to add a lovely taste of irony to the equation, what is the first topic we cover in class?  Confidentiality and HIPPA.  She should practice what she preaches!

Now my dilemma is do I address this blatant violation and the possibility of adding a big target to my forehead for the rest of the semester when it comes to grading, etc, or do I suck it up.  She is definitely not setting the example for the students.

You have every right to be pissed..i would be too.  But people are not always fair and can be very vindictive.  Given that she controls your grade you might want to suck it up...I am not saying she was right in fact I would have a hard time even looking at her without steam coming out of my ears.  But again she can make your life hell this semester. 

You could also address her after the semester is over!

It is not an easy decision, hugs to you!

Sheri

 Yeah, I hear ya Sheri, I'm pretty sure she would do what she could to make my life hell, she already did a little of that last semester when I questioned her grading.  I'll probably address it at the end of the semester since she has no control over my clinical rotation next semester.  It is still frustrating and not exactly the way I wanted my first day back at class to be like!! Craptastic is my new word for the day, lol, Calgon, take me away!!!!

Rebecca - unfortunately others DO control certain aspects of our lives.  Personally?  I'd take it up AFTER the semester is over with her boss and address the HIPPA and privacy concerns.  I'm sure your fellow students would support you if need be. 

Meanwhile - do your best in the class. 

Sorry this happened to you and she is SO unprofessional for doing that to you.

 Thanks for the advice, Jody. 

I agree with the other responses you have gotten,but wonder what she would say if you asked her in font of the whole class,if the comment she made to you was in violation of HIPPA laws ?

Calling her out in front of everyone would give you some leg to stand on if she tries to take it out on you grade wise.

 lol hollykim, never thought of that!  I'll have to put that one in my pocket in case things take a sour turn!

 BOY  would that **** me off .  Yeah i would  just  trundle  my  semi  fat behind  down to the deans off ice and COMPLAIN RIGHT NOW   and GUARANTEE  that   she never  DARES  downgrade  me .... PERSONALLY  ...

no they might not LIKE me ... but they WOULD Treat me FAIRLY . 

 Oh believe me, sister, that was the first thing I wanted to do.  Till I realized that if I did, she would most likely do everything in her power to fail me (even though I have had straight A's for 2 years, except the B from her last semester) and then I would be 30K in student loan debt with no degree and no certification, which equals no job!  sigh

I work in the educational system as an instructor for medical classes.  We have already established that she directly violated HIPAA, but I don't think you can let her get away with it.  As a teacher I do my best to stay neutral when it comes to my students.  With that being said, not all of my coworkers play fair.  What I would do is write a letter to the dean or whomever stating what took place.  Include date, time, and witnesses.  Make sure to outline that you want this matter handled, but not until you are finished in her class as you are fearful of reprecussions.  Make sure to state that you would like to know the outcome of the situation.  I don't think you should wait until the semesteer is over because at that point you won't be as mad and they won't take you as serious.  So, my suggestion is to speak about it now and request it be handled later.  Good luck.