The history of nurse anesthetists in the U.S. goes back to the Civil War when chloroform was the only anesthetic available; the credentialing of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) began almost 100 years later, in 1956. Today, it takes at least seven or eight years of education and experience to prepare a CRNA. In addition to the time and expense of becoming certified, the CRNA candidate must possess the intelligence and discipline to complete the requirements. But what if the path to earning certification is obstructed by academic or other types of sanctions by the school that may even include dismissal? Fortunately, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has the knowledge and experience to serve you in appealing any sanctions.
Online message boards for nursing students often include posts from CRNA students who have been dismissed from their program or otherwise disciplined, asking for advice from their peers. While the responses often reflect compassion and good intentions, they are no substitute for counsel from an experienced, knowledgeable Attorney-Advisor.
Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities as a CRNA Student
As soon as you make the decision to enroll in a school's CRNA program, be sure to review the handbooks and policies that pertain to the program at your school. For example, students enrolled in the Michigan State University Nurse Anesthesiology program are subject to policies and procedures in the handbook for all Michigan State students and the handbook for College of Nursing students, as well as all guidelines outlined in the Nurse Anesthesiology Supplemental Handbook. Pay close attention to the information provided about academic standards and graduation requirements, including disciplinary procedures, reasons for dismissal from the program, and the process for responding to disciplinary sanctions.
How Student Rights May Differ at Public Schools and Private Schools
It is also important to understand that your rights will vary depending on whether your program is at a public university or college or private school.
At public institutions, which are part of the government, you are guaranteed the right to due process enshrined in Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. For example, you have a right to be notified of the reason you are being dismissed, the right to a hearing before being dismissed, and the right to legal representation at the hearing. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can offer the counsel you need when navigating this process at your school.
If you are enrolled at a private institution, it is especially important to review any student handbooks. While private institutions are not legally required to provide the due process defined in the Constitution, they usually have an obligation to follow whatever disciplinary processes they have established. Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense Team can provide the counsel you need if you face disciplinary action at a private school.
Facing Sanctions as a CRNA Student: Reasons and Responses
The exact list and definition of reasons you may face sanctions as a nurse anesthetist student will depend on the school you attend, but they generally are related to academic requirements and policies or clinical requirements and policies of the program or the institution's student conduct code. You may also face sanctions for issues regarding the capstone of your education, the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
Academic Standards: Failure to Fulfill Requirements or Comply with Policies
Most programs provide an estimate for the average time commitment for completing requirements and set a time limit for doing so. They will also identify exceptions and describe procedures for applying for an extension. Failure to meet the deadline for completing requirements or properly requesting an extension may result in sanctions up to and including dismissal. Failure to properly submit any required progress reports, meet grade point average requirements, or comply with program attendance requirements may also result in sanctions. In many programs, a student being sanctioned or dismissed will go before a hearing board at which they can have legal representation.
Clinical Education: Failure to Fulfill Requirements or Comply with Policies
Nurse anesthetist clinical education program guidelines may cover aspects from dress code to attendance, and they will identify medical institutions where students can gain their clinical experience. In addition to complying with their school's policies and procedures, students must also follow the policies and procedures of the affiliate clinical site. At many schools, failure to do so can result in dismissal. As with academic standards, students facing sanctions regarding their practicum will go before a hearing board at which they can have legal representation.
Student Conduct Code: Violations
Nurse anesthetist programs usually require that students adhere to the school-wide conduct code, which typically details elements including academic integrity, academic misconduct (for example, explaining what constitutes cheating), drug and alcohol use, and possession of firearms. Along with the conduct code, the school will also provide information about the grievance procedure students should follow if they are found to be in violation.
Defense for Students in Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Programs Nationwide
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are an important part of the medical establishment in the United States, especially in rural America, where they provide more than 80% of anesthesia. More than 2,400 registered nurse anesthetists graduate each year and go on to successful careers. But if you are a nurse anesthetist student facing disciplinary action, your career plans could be completely derailed. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has helped students at schools for various professions across the country, including nursing students and medical students. Call today at 888.535.3686 or contact the Lento Law Firm online to discuss your case and learn how Joseph D. Lento and his Student Defense Team can help you.
