To ensure a dynamic and respectful learning environment in the School of Nursing community for both undergraduate and graduate students, the faculty have adopted these standards of conduct, which outline student expectations. This code is in accordance with federal and state law, professional nursing, and academic parameters that include:
- New Jersey State Board of Nursing Regulations
- American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and Interpretive Statements
- The ICN Code of Ethics
- American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of Practice
- CCNE Accreditation Standards
- Rutgers University Code of Student Conduct
- Rutgers Code of Ethics
It is expected that every student adheres to these guidelines and maintains professional conduct in all academic and clinical settings. Specific behaviors include but are not limited to:
General
- Utilization of Electronic Devices: Use of electronic devices should not be disruptive to others. Electronic devices include but are not limited to mobile phones, laptop computers, tablets, laser pointers, Bluetooth devices, and music players.
- Substance Abuse: The possession, production, distribution, and/or use of illegal substances is prohibited at Rutgers University and within the nursing profession. The misuse of controlled substances will not be tolerated.
- Professional Attire: Students are expected to wear attire that best reflects the image of Rutgers School of Nursing and the nursing profession.
- Time and Attendance: Students are expected to be on time and to attend all School of Nursing functions: class, clinical, and other agreed upon commitments.
- Professional Language/Respectful Communication: It is important to use respectful and professional language when interacting with faculty, staff, peers, patients, and others. Profanity and other disrespectful language will not be tolerated in the professional environment or via electronic communication medium including social media.
- Civility in Professional Relationships/Bullying: Civility is to be exercised in all professional, academic, and therapeutic relationships. Disagreements should be handled directly with the other party and reported to an appropriate third party if mediation is necessary.
- Treatment of SON Facilities and Equipment: Students are expected to be respectful of all School of Nursing facilities and property. It is the responsibility of all in the community to ensure that facilities are well-maintained and that property is not abused or stolen.
- Academic Integrity: All students are expected to adhere to the Rutgers University academic integrity policy. All work is expected to be original or properly attributed. Cheating or sharing of any information appearing on an exam is a violation of the academic integrity policy.
In-Class
- Utilization of Electronic Devices: If allowed while in class, electronic devices should only be used for academic purposes.
- In-Class Behavior: While in class, students are expected to be respectful of faculty and fellow students. Distractions caused by, for example, private conversations and electronic devices take away from the learning experiences of others.
Clinicals
- Confidentiality and Patient Privacy: Patient privacy is governed by HIPAA. Information about patients and/or their circumstances should not appear on social media sites.
- Substance Abuse: Students are expected to maintain a safe practice environment for patients, colleagues, faculty, and staff. Attending class or clinical under the influence of controlled substances is prohibited.
- Professional Attire: When participating in clinical, the School of Nursing uniform should be clean, pressed, and well-maintained. Students are expected to wear the uniform in its entirety unless otherwise directed.
- Time and Attendance: Punctuality is essential in the clinical environment. Missing a clinical is not acceptable. Emergencies must be reported to clinical faculty immediately.
- Patient Safety: Students who recognize that they have made a clinical error are obligated to report the situation to their instructor immediately and to take necessary measures to ensure subsequent patient safety.
Important University, School, and Professional Policies
- Rutgers School of Nursing Student Academic Policies
- Rutgers University Student Code of Conduct
- Rutgers University Academic Integrity Policy
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Policy
A report of student misconduct or infringement with regard to this Code may initiate a grievance process that could lead to dismissal and, if appropriate, may be reported to the New Jersey State Board on Nursing. Violation of federal, state, and local laws may be applicable and, as appropriate, would be reported to law enforcement officers.
These standards of conduct shall not diminish or remove the applicability of University-wide policies and procedures, and, where in conflict, University-wide policies shall control over the standards herein.
Adopted by the faculty on 12/9/2013