The University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences (HSON) is a private Catholic graduate nursing school in San Diego, California. The nursing school was established in 1973 and offers multiple degree options, such as the MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. If you are a student at HSON, you can benefit from the school's strong reputation, technologically advanced facilities, and externship opportunities. However, you must also have what it takes to prepare for your future role as a nursing professional. That means having excellent behavioral and ethical qualities, professionalism, and the ability to meet your program requirements.
As a graduate nursing student, you've worked hard to reach where you are today and prepare for your future role as a professional. However, being a nursing student in any capacity has challenges and obstacles, including stress and pressure to keep up with your program requirements. Your role also comes with the added responsibility of being in the public trust, working with patients, medical teams, and other health professionals. While you pursue your degree, you may stumble upon issues that lead to consequences you may not have thought of, such as dismissal from your program. If you learn of allegations against you that threaten your graduation prospects, don't approach the issue alone. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 or send the team a message through the online form to learn more about how to approach your case.
Common Reasons for Dismissal from Nursing School
Dismissal from nursing school is a distressing experience that may leave you blindsided and unable to join another graduate program. Some nursing students assume they will not be expelled from their programs if they only commit one violation. However, dismissal stems from multiple issues, mainly academic difficulties, unprofessional behavior, misconduct, and ethical violations. In some cases, you may be delayed for numerous semesters. In others, you may not have the chance to graduate, and the expulsion stays on your permanent record. Dismissals significantly impact your future and your plans to become a nurse. This is especially true if you seek a graduate program with stricter guidelines for incoming students. With so much on the line, avoiding dismissal by speaking to the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team decreases the likelihood of returning to square one.
Adjudication Process at HSON
The adjudication process at HSON mostly focuses on the student's academic performance, as mentioned in the student handbook. However, the adjudication and investigation processes are usually similar to those of other nursing schools when it comes to submitting and receiving complaints about a student. When a member of the HSON community believes that a student has committed a violation, they send a report to a designated official at the university, such as the Director for Student Affairs or a similar authority. Once they receive the complaint, they review the details to determine if the student may have violated one of the school's codes, such as the code of conduct, academic integrity policy, or professionalism standards. The authority then investigates what occurred, usually asking the accused student to attend an informal meeting to discuss the details and review their options.
In some cases, these parties may agree to an informal resolution where the student accepts responsibility and receives a penalty imposed by the investigating authority. In cases where the violation is significant, or the student does not accept the proposed resolution, the matter escalates to a formal hearing.
Formal hearings are attended by a hearing panel, a hearing chair, and all the parties involved in the case. The accused student usually makes a statement, provides evidence, and defends against the accusations against them. Some nursing schools allow students to have a support person present, but they may not participate directly in the proceedings. Once all parties have provided their statements and documentation, the hearing panel deliberates and recommends a sanction to the authority that issues a final decision, such as the Dean.
Appeals
Most universities allow students to appeal a sanctions decision if it involves suspension or expulsion from the program. The appeal may be sent to a different authority to determine the appropriate sanctions. In some cases, students may also attend an appeal hearing. However, to appeal, it should usually be based on the following grounds:
- The emergence of new information that wasn't available at the time of the initial hearing that may impact the panel's decision
- There was a significant deviation from the adjudication process, which resulted in these harsh sanctions
- The recommended sanction is disproportionate to the alleged violation
Based on the new evidence, the sanctions may be reaffirmed, altered, or dismissed. Although an appeal does not guarantee removing sanctions, it can affect the outcome when approached properly.
Contacting the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team
Being a graduate nursing student at HSON comes with many exciting opportunities. However, it also has its downsides, as the stress and pressure to maintain excellent behavior and academic performance can lead to mistakes and violations. If you are facing challenges, don't approach the issue alone. The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is your shoulder to rely on when you are facing allegations that can upend your future.
The Lento Law Firm Education Law Team has years of experience working with nursing students nationwide who face sanctions like suspension and dismissal. The team helps decrease the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome with their compassion, knowledge, and dedication.
Your degree, future, and reputation are at stake when accused of wrongdoing. Don't let allegations end your future and career before they begin.
If you or someone you love face allegations of wrongdoing at HSON, act now. Call the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team at 888-535-3686 for more information, or send the team a message through the online form to learn more about the next steps.
