The MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing (MGH SON) is a private nursing school with roots stretching back to 1873. The nursing school is located in Boston, Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest nursing schools in the United States. If you are part of this institution, you have the chance to be trained by knowledgeable and expert faculty that help you build a flourishing career. Since MGH SON is affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital – one of the top hospitals in the world – you have many opportunities to enrich your knowledge and future career as a health professional. However, being a nursing student at MGH SON also means working hard to stay enrolled. That means refraining from unprofessional behavior, demonstrating ethical mannerisms, and keeping up with your program requirements. Failure to do so leads to severe consequences, like suspension or permanent dismissal.
As a nursing student, you will learn through theory and practice as your performance is gauged by faculty members who are there to help you. Sometimes, you may have slip-ups or mistakes that are a normal part of the learning process. But in other cases, you may commit a severe violation that leads to substantial issues that can't be easily ignored. Your career and reputation can take significant hits if you get dismissed from your nursing program – and it's not easy to pick up where you left off at another nursing school. With so much at stake, if you experience issues at MGH SON, don't take on the matter and adjudication process alone. Send a message to the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team or call 888-535-3686 for a clearer idea of what comes next.
Common Reasons for Dismissal from Nursing School
Dismissal from nursing school is a severe consequence of committing a violation. A dismissal negatively impacts your life and leads you back to square one. All the time, effort, money, and nights studying are no longer relevant as you must start over in another program. And because nursing schools are competitive, you may have difficulty finding a new nursing school to accept your application if you have a dismissal on your record. Some of the most common reasons you may receive this sanction include not following the code of conduct, engaging in unprofessional or unethical behavior, academic issues, and repeated issues. While some students assume that they won't get expelled or suspended for the first offense, some violations do lead to these consequences regardless of frequency. Don't take the matter into your own hands or act hazardously. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team to determine the next steps.
Adjudication Process at MGH SON
According to the Student Handbook, the School of Nursing takes professionalism, academic integrity, ethical conduct, and personal responsibility seriously. Any person who believes a student committed a violation must report the incident to the Office of Student Affairs and Services and submit an Incident Form. Once they receive the report, the Assistant Dean or their designee reviews the case details with the Judicial Board Co-chairs to determine if an investigation is necessary. If they determine that an investigation is warranted, they may also schedule a hearing.
During the hearing, the panel listens to testimonies from both parties and reviews the evidence. Once the hearing ends, the panel members have one day to deliberate and recommend a sanction to the Assistant Dean for Student Success and the Associate/Assistant Program Dean. The latter sends the accused student their decision within five business days of receiving the panel's recommendation.
Appeals
Students may appeal a decision if it meets one of the below criteria:
- The hearing panel recommended dismissal from the program
- There was a procedural error
- Emergence of new information that wasn't available during the time of the decision
- An unresolved grade grievance
To proceed with the process, you must send the appeal in writing as a petition to the Dean of the School of Nursing or their designee within ten business days from the time they receive a notice of a decision. The appeal must describe any unjust or erroneous processes and, if applicable, include relevant facts and supporting materials about the case. Once the Dean receives the request, they review it and send it to the Appeals Committee for further review. The Appeals Committee may appoint a new hearing panel, investigation, or evaluation. Once this process ends, the panel sends their recommendation to the Dean, who decides on a dismissal sanction. The student may not re-appeal after this step.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
When you first start nursing school, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of your steps and what to expect. Over time, you will be more comfortable and knowledgeable, but that also means refraining from policy violations, misconduct, and failing grades. With so much that can go wrong, you need the help of the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team if you receive word of a potential case against you.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team understands what you are going through and what's at stake. With years of experience working with nursing students nationwide, the team passionately fights for you and leaves no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team knows how these processes work and makes sure that you have a shoulder to rely on during every part of the adjudication process.
Don't wait until the appeal process to speak to the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team. The more you wait, the less likely you will have a chance at a favorable case outcome.
You worked hard to become a nursing school student and gain entry into one of the most robust programs in the country. Don't let a lapse in judgment, genuine mistake, or slip-up end your career before it begins.
There is hope if you or someone you love face dismissal from MGH SON. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 or send a message through the online portal for more information about the next steps.
