The Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing (OHSU SoN) is a renowned nursing school with a history of educating nurses stretching back to 1910. OHSU SoN offers multiple degree options for aspiring nurses, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The nursing school dedicates itself to improving patient health and quality of life through excellence in treatment, innovation, and leadership in research and education. As part of this institution, you can look forward to a flourishing career in nursing and numerous career opportunities upon graduation. But to remain part of this institution and benefit from what it offers, you must demonstrate excellent professional behavior and proper academic advancement. Failure to do so leads to numerous short- and long-term issues, including warnings, loss of privileges, and dismissal from the nursing program.
As a nursing student, you tackled the complex admissions process to be a part of one of Oregon's finest nursing schools. But that is only one part of the hurdle to graduating with a nursing degree. As you progress in your program, you may face great stress that impacts your trajectory and causes more pressure to succeed. Sometimes, you may feel overwhelmed, causing you to act out in ways that are unlike you. Although mistakes are understandable and part of the learning process, some errors may have devastating consequences. Taking action immediately is essential when you face sanctions that can upend your future. Get in touch with the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 for a better chance for a favorable outcome.
Behavioral and Academic Standards
OHSU SoN students must abide by the code of conduct and maintain satisfactory academic progress to succeed. Regarding behavioral standards, the nursing school holds its students to the highest standards for professionalism and acceptable behavior. Since your future role involves working with patients in their most vulnerable moments, it aims to build your personality to deal with issues as they come. In the process, the school knows you will face excessive stress and pressure. Training you to handle these instances ethically and professionally is a core part of your training. Still, even if you are the most professional and ethical nursing student, you must have the knowledge to apply what you learned in theory and maintain academic progress. Not meeting the educational standards of your program leads to sanctions and may end in dismissal.
Student Conduct and Professionalism
According to the OHSU SoN Student Handbook, the college has the authority to impose academic suspension or dismissal proceedings for students who don't meet the school's requirements. These include the inability to meet program standards, not achieving the goals of their academic probation, or who violate the policies of the school of nursing. In its policy statement, it provides a list of behaviors that may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal and degree revocation. These include the following:
- Violating state and federal laws or SoN policies
- Failure to partake in professional standards listed in the Student Handbook
- Engaging in acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating, fraud, plagiarism, buying and selling assignments, and falsification of research data
- Knowingly producing false statements or evidence
- Falsifying clinical records, documents, and permits
- Engaging in disruptive behavior
- Failure to report disruptive behavior
- Taking any item from within a medical setting without authorization
- Failing to question a medical order when in doubt
- Violating patient or family confidentiality
Engaging in one or more of these actions causes multiple issues, as outlined in the adjudication and sanctions process segment below. However, sometimes, you may make a genuine mistake, or you may be a victim of a baseless accusation. Regardless of the situation, having the Student Defense Team from the Lento Law Firm decreases the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome.
Adjudication and Sanctions
According to the Code of Conduct, any member of the school of nursing who witnesses a violation must fill out a “Report of Known or Suspect Violation of the Student Code of Conduct & Responsibility” available on the SoN website. The Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Diversity receives the report, reviews it, and conducts an investigation. During this process, the AD discusses the incident with the accused student and witnesses. They also review documents and evidence related to the case. Students recommended for suspension or dismissal must meet with the School of Nursing Student Progress Review Committee (SPRC) in a hearing. Once the hearing ends, the SPRC makes a recommendation about the violated policy and the proscribed conduct. Sanctions include:
- Restitution
- Community Service
- A written reprimand
- Disciplinary probation
- Loss of privileges associated with student status
- Negative notation on their academic record or transcript
- A mandatory leave of absence
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Degree Revocation
Sanctions can upend your future and cause multiple issues that affect your reputation and goals. Before you take action, call the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm for guidance.
Hiring a Student Defense Team
Being a nursing student is a rewarding – yet challenging – experience that trains you to become a professional who holds immense responsibility towards others. Although you may have the best intentions or made a genuine mistake, OHSU SoN deals harshly with those accused of violations. When you face accusations, call the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm.
The Student Defense Team stands by you during your most stressful moments, working for the best possible outcome. The team has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide who are facing accusations that hurt their future. With their knowledge, guidance, and compassion, they work hard to help you overcome one of the most challenging experiences you may have as a student.
You deserve fair treatment and to work with a defense team that has your back. If you or someone you love face accusations of academic or professional issues at OHSU SoN, don't wait to take action. Contact the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm today or call 888-535-3686 for a thorough consultation.
