The University of Iowa offers one of the preeminent public nursing programs in the nation, as its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) track tied for fourth-best in 2024 per U.S. News & World Report. This pedigree signals the high standards that Iowa nursing students are expected to reach, and any shortcomings (behaviorally, professionally, or academically) could cause serious consequences.
If you are accused of wrongdoing (credibly or not) during your time at the University of Iowa College of Nursing, retain an attorney from the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team. We have nationwide experience helping nursing students overcome disciplinary allegations and avoid the sanctions that can follow such allegations.
Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online about how we can assist you.
Expected Standards of Professionalism and Academic Integrity at the University of Iowa College of Nursing
Nursing students must adhere to high standards in every aspect of their education because they are training for a profession where lives hang in the balance. While these high standards exist at most schools, each nursing program has unique demands for its trainees.
The University of Iowa College of Nursing categorizes discipline-worthy infractions into three categories:
Academic Misconduct
The Iowa College of Nursing Student Handbook cites examples of academic misconduct, including:
- Missing class or not participating in a meaningful way
- Plagiarism, which includes any form of taking credit for someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution
- Cheating, which includes using cheat sheets, technological aids, and other unauthorized assistance to gain an academic advantage
- Falsifying data
- Helping others in academically dishonest pursuits
- Violating a teacher's instructions as they pertain to specific assignments
- Falsifying academic records or documents
The handbook notes that this list does not include all prohibited behaviors but includes the most common offenses that lead to formal sanctions.
Personal Misconduct
One can argue that a nurse's personal conduct is just as important as their professional and academic conduct, and Iowa College of Nursing's handbook reflects that belief. A nursing student may face formal discipline for:
- Committing a crime
- Engaging in sexual harassment or other sexual offenses
- Threatening behavior
- Disrupting the learning environment
- Obtaining, possessing, using, or distributing drugs in an illicit manner
- Possessing or using alcohol in a prohibited manner
- Violating computer-related policies
- Posting offensive, threatening, or otherwise uncouth content on social media
University policy notes that students' First Amendment rights are considered during the disciplinary process, and this is a consideration your lawyer will certainly weigh, too.
Clinical Misconduct
The University of Iowa College of Nursing is constantly evaluating students' behavior in the clinical setting and may reprimand students for:
- Violating patients' right to medical privacy
- Engaging in unsafe nursing practices
- Falsifying patient records
- Failing to accurately and thoroughly document care
- Being disruptive in a clinical setting
Nursing students operate in ever-changing environments with unlimited opportunities to make mistakes, suffer miscommunications, or be perceived as wrong. A nursing student defense attorney from our Student Defense Team will obtain the facts of your case and fight vigorously on your behalf.
How the University of Iowa College of Nursing Handles Alleged Behavioral Infractions
The Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs handles reported misconduct by nursing students. The Executive Associate Dean may also be involved in reporting alleged personal misconduct.
Upon receiving a report of alleged wrongdoing, one or both Deans may then:
- Consult any faculty member who reported misconduct and decide upon course-related sanctions
- Meet with the student (in the case of alleged personal or academic misconduct) to discuss the allegations and propose sanctions
If the student accepts the proposed sanctions, that is the end of the matter. However, when students disagree with proposed sanctions, they can initiate an appeal with a Hearing Panel appointed by the Council on Student Affairs, Admission and Progression.
Administrators will remove you from clinical settings if you are accused of clinical misconduct while the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and the Executive Associate Dean review the allegations. These parties will impose unilateral sanctions (or choose not to sanction the student).
You May Be Entitled to a Disciplinary Hearing Upon Appeal
The student handbook explains that if you disagree with a disciplinary decision related to academic or personal misconduct, you can file an appeal with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs within ten days of the original decision.
The steps following an appeal generally include the following:
- Voicing any concerns about bias among members of your Hearing Panel, requesting a substitution of that member
- Submitting evidence and witnesses related to your appeal (no later than a week before the hearing will take place)
- Presenting witnesses, documents, and your own testimony
- Reviewing the Hearing Panel's written report, which will include a ruling on your case
If you disagree with the Hearing Panel's decision, you can file another appeal within five business days of receiving the decision.
Note that you cannot appeal a ruling related to clinical misconduct. Our team will evaluate your options for fighting an unjust ruling related to alleged clinical misconduct.
Potential Sanctions for Behavioral Misconduct
The scale of potential discipline to be issued by the University of Iowa College of Nursing includes:
- Warning
- Counseling
- Restitution
- Apology
- Community service
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Any of these sanctions can immensely damage your reputation, status, and future employment opportunities.
Hire an Experienced Nursing Student Defense Attorney Today
While it is important to engage respectfully with universities that hold your future in their hands, you must receive fair treatment and due process. The Lento Law Firm Team will immediately investigate your disciplinary circumstances, build a defense, and take appropriate action to resolve the matter with the College.
Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to learn more about how we will assist you. You will be able to continue focusing on your education while we resolve your disciplinary case.
