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
- 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:
GeneralUse 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 the 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, electronic, and therapeutic relationships and communications.
Disagreements should be handled directly with the other party and reported to
an appropriate third party if mediation is necessary.
Treatment of School of Nursing 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-ClassUtilization 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 the faculty and fellow students.Distractions caused by private conversations,
electronic devices, etc., take away from the learning experience of others.
Clinical SettingsConfidentiality 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: A student who recognizes that she or he has made a
clinical error is obligated to report the situation to their instructor
immediately and to take necessary measures to ensure subsequent patient safety.
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 universitywide policies and procedures and, where in
conflict, universitywide policies shall control over the standards herein.
