Nursing school represents a challenging career path, but it can be rewarding, too. That is, if you're able to work your way past any challenges that may present themselves and earn your sought-after degree.
Unfortunately, there are a variety of academic and disciplinary concerns that can pop up even with hard work and the best of intentions. For example, nursing students often have to deal with:
- Failure to meet academic progress requirements
- Course or clinical failures
- Plagiarism or cheating allegations
- Lapses in professionalism
- Title IX violations
- Substance abuse allegations
- Misconduct in the clinical setting
If you are facing issues regarding any of the above or allegations that could impact your ability to stay in school, the experienced attorneys of the Lento Law Firm are ready to provide support nationwide. We have a long history of representing nursing students nationwide through academic and disciplinary matters. Whether you need help understanding the charges against you, developing a defense strategy, or negotiating with your school's board, retain the premier services of the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm today by calling 888.535.3686 or filling out this brief form. We serve nursing students from coast to coast.
Nursing Student Rights During Remediation and Academic Appeals
Nursing school is rigorous. Even the best and most hardworking students can struggle academically. If students earn lower-than-expected grades or are falling behind their peers, they may find themselves at the center of an academic progress evaluation.
It can be hard to anticipate just how quickly things can go downhill if you're in this situation. When students are under academic investigation (or taking remedial courses, or even on academic probation), much of their work is reduced to a number (GPA, credits attempted, the number of courses failed). If you're in this situation, you may not have the ability to add needed context to the data to paint a picture of your fitness as a nursing student. It may not be possible to raise your grades as quickly as your school expects. And, if you don't turn things around in a timely manner, you could get suspended or dismissed.
It's important to remember that you have rights as this is happening. Talking to our Student Defense Team can help you ascertain your specific rights, whether those involve getting extensions or accommodations, or being able to appeal any school decisions that don't seem fair given your circumstances.
The High Price of Professionalism Lapses in Nursing School
In nursing school, students have to go above and beyond high academic achievements. They must also maintain professionalism at all times, since part of being a good nurse is exhibiting helpful, professional, and safe conduct while on the job.
Professionalism can be a little hard to define, but it generally boils down to behaving in a responsible, ethical, and respectful way, even while under duress or stress. It's an umbrella category that can encompass both academic issues and lapses in professionalism while on clinical duties.
Some examples of unprofessional behavior may include:
- Disruptive behavior in class or clinical settings
- Unprofessional conduct with patients or colleagues
- Inappropriate use of social media
- Substance abuse
- Criminal activity
And, of course, there are also potential Title IX violations to consider. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities. Title IX's oversight includes sexual assault and harassment.
If anyone alleges that you're involved in a Title IX violation, you need to take that seriously. Just being attached to a Title IX investigation can have a serious impact on your reputation and future ability to get a job — as can any of the above infractions and issues. The best thing is to avoid any disciplinary interactions where possible; and, if your school has decided it wants to learn more about alleged violations on your part, you need to work with our Student Defense Team at once to make sure that you don't sustain a suspension, dismissal, or other form of discipline that will make your life a lot harder than it needs to be.
Academic Issues and Concerns in Nursing School: What You Need to Know
Professionalism, a failure to progress academically as expected, and behavioral misconduct are far from the only reasons that a student might attract negative attention from their school administration. There are other forms of misconduct, such as academic misconduct, that could lead to probation and dismissal.
Common types of worrisome academic misconduct include:
- Plagiarism, or using the ideas or exact words of another without giving proper credit;
- Cheating, or using unauthorized assistance on an assignment;
- Fabrication, or intentionally falsifying or misrepresenting information in an assignment; or
- Unauthorized collaboration, or working with other people on assignments when not permitted to do so.
The consequences of academic misconduct or any of the other issues listed on this page for nursing students can be steep. Typical consequences can include:
- Going on academic probation
- Getting suspended (or undergoing a temporary expulsion from the school)
- Getting dismissed (or undergoing a permanent expulsion from the school).
It's easy to underestimate just how devastating these consequences can be. With this type of discipline on your permanent record, it can be hard to get a job as a nurse (or achieve admission to another nursing program after dismissal). Instead of experiencing this type of discipline, work with the attorneys of the Student Defense Team to work toward a more favorable outcome.
Protect Your Nursing Career with the Help of the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm
If you're facing academic or disciplinary challenges at your school, don't wait to receive sanctions before pursuing assistance. The experienced attorneys of the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help you:
- Understand your rights and options.
- Investigate the allegations against you.
- Gather evidence to support your case.
- Negotiate with the school on your behalf.
- Represent you at a hearing or appeal.
Contact the Lento Law Firm today to retain the services of the Student Defense Team by calling 888.535.3686. Alternatively, you can reach out online to tell us about your case. No matter where you go to nursing school, we can help.
