Ohio State University Nursing School (OSU Nursing) is a public nursing school established in 1914 in Columbus, Ohio. With its distinguished history and reputation, the nursing school takes pride in its commitment to diversity, programs, and commitment to excellence. As a member of OSU Nursing, you can benefit from the institution's multiple programs and look forward to a strong career in nursing after graduation. But being a nursing student also comes with significant responsibility towards your peers, faculty, and future patients. And since you are in a position of public trust, your actions and performance are the gateway to your success and what faculty evaluates before you graduate.
Nursing school comes with multiple responsibilities, academically and personally. Although you did not apply and pass through a rigorous selection process to make mistakes, they do happen. But, some mistakes lead to heavier repercussions than others, especially repeated or egregious violations. Whether these violations are genuine errors or lapses in judgment, the results take a toll on your progress, enthusiasm, and goals. Without the right help and guidance, you may not graduate on time – or at all, wreaking havoc on your plans and future. With so much at stake, don't wait to take action when an accusation of misconduct or underperformance happens. Contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team or call 888-535-3686.
Academic and Behavioral Standards
Ethical behavior and solid academic performance as a nursing student are prerequisites to graduating at OSU Nursing. Academically, your professors continuously evaluate your performance to determine whether you can apply theory to practice and make it in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment after graduation. However, sometimes your performance suffers due to particular circumstances not in your control. Regardless of the situation, you must remediate your grades to continue your program at OSU Nursing or face dismissal. The same applies if you cannot demonstrate proper behavior befitting a future nurse. Although it is normal to experience stress and pressure, acting out in ways considered unethical destroys your chances of graduation and may lead you down a different educational path if you receive a suspension or expulsion.
Professional Standards and Code of Conduct
The student handbook for nursing students at OSU Nursing goes into depth regarding what constitutes misconduct and what behaviors the school expects from students. Professionalism is one of the main requirements, as nursing students must adhere to the standards implemented by the American Nurses Association and those of the school. The code maintains that students must conduct themselves in accordance with these professional standards, such as:
- Treating colleagues, peers, and faculty members with respect
- Facilitate a learning environment in the classroom and during clinical
- Complying with the code of conduct, the requirements of the College of Nursing, and the directives of college officials
- Be truthful in communications and accepting their moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities
- Maintain patient confidentiality
- Refrain from making omissions / taking deliberate actions in academic settings that are untruthful
Other prohibited behaviors include cheating, plagiarism, omission, and destroying school property. These standards ensure that students do not gain an unfair advantage over their peers, especially since nursing schools are competitive and aim to maintain their reputation to attract donors and funding. But in some cases, the school may get it wrong, and the student suffers as a consequence. When these instances happen, having the Student Defense Team from the Lento Law Firm helps decrease the stress of navigating the adjudication process and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Adjudication Process and Sanctions
Per the handbook, any person may submit a misconduct report to a faculty member. Still, students must also submit a witness statement to the Professional Misconduct Committee (PMC). The PMC chair reviews the report and informs the accused student. Then, the PMC investigates the matter to determine whether the issue is severe and warrants a hearing. If the matter is not egregious, the PMC issues a warning to the student. The student has five days to dispute this warning and request a hearing. If the PMC chair believes that the matter is serious, they start a formal hearing process and inform the Associate Dean.
During the hearing, the accused and accuser may defend their reasoning to the panel and answer questions asked by the members. Once it concludes, the panel deliberates privately to determine whether they will issue sanctions. If the panel determines that the student committed a violation, they report their decision to the Office of Legal Affairs and the Dean. Sanctions include a formal reprimand, disciplinary probation, and dis-enrollment from the College of Nursing. Fortunately, accused students may appeal this decision within 14 days of the decision. However, to appeal, you must prove the occurrence of a procedural error, lack of supporting evidence, the availability of new information, and a grossly disproportionate sanction. The Dean reviews the appeal and issues their decision. Students cannot appeal further after the Dean decides on an outcome.
Contacting the Student Defense Team
Becoming a nurse is an excellent opportunity to become part of something greater and help people who rely on your care and experience. At the same time, getting there may become a challenge, especially if you are under stress and pressure academically, professionally, and financially. With so much that can go wrong, you need the help of the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm.
The Student Defense Team understands what you are going through and works hard to help you navigate the stressful adjudication process. With years of experience helping nursing students nationwide facing allegations of misconduct or academic issues, the team stands firm with you, helping you every step of the way from the day you receive notice of an investigation to the appeals process.
With the Student Defense Team by your side, you can rest easy knowing that you are in good hands. Don't let a mistake or a lapse in judgment be the cause of your dismissal. Regardless of the issue, you deserve a fair adjudication process and representation.
If you or someone you care for face allegations of misconduct, academic issues, or lack of professionalism, don't delay. Contact the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team or call 888-535-3686 for more information.
