JMU Nursing School is the official nursing school at James Madison University, a public research university established in 1908 in Harrisburg, Virginia. As part of this long-standing and historical institution, nursing students can benefit from over a century of experience and academic excellence that promotes inclusion, innovation in nursing education and practice, and the promotion of equity. As part of your training, you will learn alongside your peers in an environment that fosters collaboration, reliance, and advocacy for others. However, to stay enrolled at JMU Nursing and benefit from the opportunities it provides, you must prove your dedication to scholarship by maintaining adequate academic progress and avoid committing unprofessional or unethical violations. Failure to abide by the code of conduct may lead to severe issues, like reputation damage and dismissal.
Nursing programs are notorious for being fast-paced and stressful. The high-pressure environment prepares you for the future rigors of your job and your role as a professional in a position of public trust. While you may have some issues or make mistakes as you progress, some violations have more severe consequences than others. Don't mistakenly assume that you will not get dismissed for your first violation. Despite having no blemishes on your record, you may still face suspension or expulsion from your program, putting you back at square one. With your degree and reputation on the line during the adjudication process, you need the help of the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team. Call the team today at 888-535-3686 for clarity and information on how to move forward, or send them a message through the online form to learn more.
Reasons for Dismissal at James Madison Nursing School
Dismissal from nursing school is a serious matter that has long and short-term consequences on your personal, educational, and professional life. Some of the most common reasons for dismissal include lack of academic progress, unprofessional behavior, academic integrity violations, and behavioral concerns. While these categories are broad, each nursing school has unique standards in its code of conduct or student handbook with specific examples of actions that lead to expulsion. According to the student handbook at James Madison Nursing, the following actions lead to dismissal from the program:
- A student fails two nursing courses.
- The student engages in or demonstrates behavior that may conflict with the safety essentials required to be a nurse.
- Engaging in conduct that goes against the Code of Ethics for Nurses of the American Nurses Association.
- Threatening or engaging in conduct that has the potential to threaten the physical, emotional, mental, or environmental health or safety of others.
- Engaging in behavior that goes against the Virginia Nursing Practice Act.
- Failing a drug screen or background check requirements.
- The student is a threat to others or presents a danger of disruption to the program.
- Failing to participate in or complete clinical work or failing to perform clinical work.
- Violating the university, college, school, and clinical site policies at JMU Nursing.
- Consistently failing to meet the program's technical standards.
According to the handbook, students dismissed from JMU Nursing School should not expect to be readmitted. However, in rare cases, the BSN Admission and Progression Committee may consider readmission if there is evidence of probable future academic success.
Adjudication Process at JMU Nursing
The student handbook does not provide a clear guideline for the adjudication process, focusing on listing what causes dismissal instead of how the issue is resolved. However, most nursing schools have a similar process when investigating a complaint. Any member of the university who believes that a nursing student is engaging in code violations sends a complaint to an authority responsible for investigating these matters. Once received, the authority conducts a premilitary investigation and may ask the student to attend an informal meeting to discuss the allegations. If the student admits to wrongdoing, the authority may determine sanctions depending on the issue. The matter escalates to a hearing if the student does not take responsibility or agree with these findings.
During the hearing, a student presents their side of the story, evidence, and witnesses depending on the nature of the accusation. Once both parties present their information, a hearing panel deliberates in private and either issues a sanction or recommends sanctions to the Dean of the Nursing School. Students usually have the option to appeal the panel's decision if it involves suspension or dismissal. While an appeal does not guarantee sanction removal, it still allows students to try and decrease the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
Your time as a nursing student is an exciting and fast-paced phase in your educational path. It prepares you for what is to come and shapes you to become a nursing professional who can work with patients, medical teams, and healthcare systems. But in some cases, you may be dismissed for something you did not commit, or the sanctions imposed are too harsh for the alleged violation. Regardless of the issue, you need the help of the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide who are facing dismissal for academic, professional, or behavioral violations. With their attention to detail, compassion, and emphasis on justice, they are by your side during arguably one of the most stressful experiences you can have at nursing school.
You worked hard to reach where you are today and become part of a highly competitive nursing program. Don't let a mistake be the end of your professional career before it starts. A dismissal severely affects your future and reputation, remaining on your transcript and leading to potential career issues.
If you or someone you love face allegations of wrongdoing at JMU Nursing, help is a phone call or message away. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team today at 888-535-3686, or send a message through this form to learn more about your options.
