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. The Rutgers School of Nursing Standards of Student Conduct sets specific expectations for Rutgers School of Nursing student behavior, the process for addressing allegations of student misconduct, and the possible consequences for students who violate the policy.
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
Use 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.
Illegal Substances
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
Substance Abuse
Students are expected to maintain a safe practice environment for patients, colleagues, faculty, and staff. Attending classes or clinicals under the influence is prohibited.
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 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
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 Settings
Confidentiality and Patient Privacy: Patient privacy is governed by HIPAA. Information about patients and/or their circumstances should not be discussed outside of the clinical setting and should not appear on social media sites.
Professional Attire:
- Baccalaureate Nursing Students Only: When participating in clinicals, 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 by the clinical site.
- Advanced Nursing Practice Students Only: Students are expected to dress appropriately. Students may wear a laboratory coat over professional attire. However, students should comply with the dress code of the clinical site, when specified. Students should have their Rutgers identification badges at all times. Specific clinical site identification may be worn, when required by the clinical site.
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.
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 2 applicability of University-wide policies and procedures and, where in conflict, University- wide policies shall control over the standards herein.
Academic Policies and Procedures 
