The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Nursing (LSUHNO-SON) is a nursing school that is part of the LSU System established in 1931 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSUHNO-SON offers multiple nursing degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. Upon graduation, nursing students can look forward to many lucrative career opportunities in Louisiana State and the LSU System. But to remain enrolled in your nursing program and benefit, you must maintain ethical behavior, avoid academic misconduct, and keep up with academic requirements. Failure to do so leads to sanctions, suspension, and expulsion, with long-term repercussions affecting your personal and professional life.
Being a nursing student at LSUHNO-SON is an exciting and rigorous experience that trains you to become a nursing professional after graduation. Sometimes, the pressure to succeed and keep up with your peers may cause issues that affect your reputation and standing. And while your professors and administrators expect you to make mistakes as part of the learning process, some have more severe repercussions than others. When your degree, reputation, and professional future are on the line, tackling the issue alone may exacerbate the issue further. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is by your side when you face challenges that upend your future. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 for more information about how to approach your case or send the team a message through the online portal.
Student Conduct and Academic Standards
According to the Student Code of Conduct for LSUHNO-SON, the nursing school is responsible for protecting its educational mission by enforcing standards that benefit its students and reputation. Thus, any actions that go against the standards of conduct may lead to a hearing and sanctions. LSUHNO-SON considers that acts of academic misconduct and dishonesty fall under the following categories:
- Using materials or information in an unauthorized manner to obtain credit or partial credit for courses and academic requirements
- Acts of omission which result in one student gaining an unfair academic advantage over other students
- Unacceptable use of social media platforms
As a nursing student, your school holds you to high ethical and professional standards because you will be in a position of public trust. Since you will work with patients, peers, and medical teams in a medical environment, building sound professional qualities is part of your training when you attend LSUHNO-SON. However, professionalism and ethical behavior are not the only requirements to stay enrolled. You must also demonstrate acceptable academic progress and maintain your grades to graduate. Failure to do so leads to placement on academic probation. If you continue to face issues during probation, you may receive a permanent dismissal from the nursing school.
Professionalism and Prohibited Conduct
Nursing students must demonstrate professional conduct befitting their future profession. The policy mentions several behaviors it deems unprofessional or uncivil, like raising your voice or yelling at peers, faculty, or staff. Other unprofessional behaviors mentioned include demeaning, belittling, or harassing others within the academic environment, interrupting others, and neglecting to respond to correspondences promptly. Persistent tardiness, leaving sessions early, and engaging in disruptive actions are unacceptable. The code of conduct also lists multiple prohibited conduct actions that lead to sanctions, including:
- Academic misconduct, such as cheating, plagiarism, falsification, and fabrication
- Endangering the health and safety of others or accessing medical documents in an unauthorized manner
- Sexual misconduct and harassment
- Hazing
- The destruction of university property or the property of others
- Possessing dangerous weapons, devices, or substances
- Theft and the unauthorized use of property
- Failure to comply with school authorities
- Using drugs and alcohol
- Providing false information
- Unauthorized or improper use of university computers
LSUHNO-SON encourages those who believe they witnessed someone committing a violation to report the issue, after which an investigation occurs.
Adjudication Process and Sanctions
Per the code of conduct, any person who witnesses, experiences, or is made aware of a code violation must report the issue to the Assistant Dean for Student Services. The Assistant Dean reviews the complaint and, depending on the information, conducts a preliminary investigation. The Assistant Dean may request that a student attend a meeting to discuss the complaint or issue. If there is reason to believe the violation occurred, the student has the right to request a hearing. If the student does not want one, they may also submit a written request to receive a disciplinary sanction made administratively by the Dean. However, if the student decides on this process, they waive the right to a hearing and an appeal.
If the student opts for a hearing, they stand before a panel and present their case and any supporting information to bolster their claims. After the hearing ends, the panel members deliberate and recommend a sanction. Per the code, you may bring one person acting as an advisor but not a witness. After a majority vote, the student receives the written decision from the Assistant Dean for Student Services. Sanctions include:
- A verbal reprimand
- Conduct probation
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension
- Dismissal or expulsion
Fortunately, you may appeal for a final decision from the Dean within ten days of receiving the result but only under the following grounds: A procedural error, misinterpretation of the rule concerning the alleged violation, lack of substantial evidence, the discovery of new facts, and disproportionate disciplinary action.
Hiring a Student Defense Team
With so much that can go wrong during your time at LSUHNO-SON, you need a skilled Student Defense Team from the Lento Law Firm to decrease the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide who need help when sanctions threaten their future.
The Student Defense Team takes your case and needs seriously, working closely with you to help boost your confidence, approach the hearing panel with composure, and draft an appeal letter if it comes to that. With their skill and passion for justice, they are by your side when your future as a nurse is on the line.
If you or someone you love faces issues at LSUHNO-SON, help is available. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or send the Student Defense Team a message for a discreet and thorough consultation.
