The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, or Penn Nursing, is ranked as the best nursing school in the world. It offers a world-class education with some of the best teachers, clinicians, and researchers in the world. Getting into Penn Nursing is a huge accomplishment for any nursing student – and if you are a student at this school, you want to make sure you graduate without any hiccups or disciplinary issues.
There are many issues that can derail a nursing student's career and prevent them from graduating – or graduating on time. Any allegations of ethical or professional misconduct or academic progression issues can lead to disciplinary action and hamper your chances of graduating on time with a clean academic record. If the allegation is serious enough, you may even face consequences such as expulsion or dismissal – which can permanently mar your chances of pursuing a career in nursing. Medicine is a field that places great responsibility on its practitioners – and any ethical violation can hurt the health, privacy, and lives of patients greatly. So, certain allegations of misbehavior by a nursing student may even result in them facing criminal charges.
You may not have the knowledge and experience required to deal with these issues single-handedly. It is best to use all the resources at your disposal and consider retaining legal counsel who can help you mitigate the damage to your academic record and obtain a positive outcome in your case.
Academic and Professionalism Standards for Nursing Students in Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is among the best nursing schools in the world – and maintains high standards of academic and professional integrity. Nursing students who fall short of these standards can face consequences ranging from a warning to dismissal.
The Statement of Personal Attributes and Capabilities for nursing students states that all students are expected to ‘demonstrate ethical behavior, including adherence to the Nurse Practice Act, the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, and the University Code of Academic Integrity.' Any behavior that violates these standards may lead to disciplinary action and severe sanctions. Prohibited behaviors include academic dishonesty, such as cheating or plagiarism; professional violations, such as mistreating patients, divulging confidential patient information, or being in violation of clinical compliance policies, and behavioral misconduct, such as drug use, violence, bullying, or harassment.
Nursing students are expected to treat patients with respect and compassion and maintain professional integrity at all times.
Sanctions
When a student is found in violation of university rules and regulations, they may face mild to severe sanctions, ranging from a warning to dismissal, according to the Charter of the University of Pennsylvania Student Disciplinary System.
According to UPenn rules, ‘any member of the university committee' may file a complaint against a student they believe has violated university rules. This includes staff members, faculty members, undergraduate or postgraduate students, and other persons involved with the university. Complaints are made in writing to the Office of Student Conduct (OSC), which then evaluates each complaint to understand whether the conduct in question is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct or other rules or policies.
The OSC has the right to dismiss complaints if it concludes that no violation of rules has taken place. If a violation has occurred, according to the OSC, it may undertake an investigation into the matter or refer the matter to the University Mediation Program (UMP) for mediation.
A complaint isn't considered a charge; only the university can file charges against a student, and this is done after the OSC determines whether an investigation is warranted and undertakes this investigation.
Charges against a student are resolved either by voluntary agreement to sanctions or through a disciplinary hearing. Once the OSC has filed charges against a student, they may discuss with the student and their advisor what sanctions would be appropriate for the violation – and the student has the right to accept, reject, or propose an alternative to the sanctions recommended.
If the student and OSC aren't able to reach an agreement regarding the appropriate sanctions, or if the student rejects the sanctions proposed, the OSC may then bring the disciplinary matter to a hearing. Once a student agrees to a sanction, they waive their right to a disciplinary hearing.
The sanctions may include:
- A written warning;
- A reprimand, which is a written censure for a violation and includes notice that repeated or further violations may result in more severe sanctions;
- A monetary fine (this is not applicable in case of academic integrity violations);
- Restitution in the form of reimbursement for loss or damage to university property, funds, or public property or compensation for an injury to an individual;
- Disciplinary probation;
- Withdrawal of privileges;
- Suspension;
- Indefinite suspension;
- Expulsion.
Convening of Judicial Board and Conduct of Hearing
If the charges are not resolved through voluntary agreement to sanctions, the OSC is required to bring the matter to the Disciplinary Hearing Officer (DHO), who is supposed to schedule a disciplinary hearing right away and provide advance written notice to the complainant, respondent and any witnesses who are required to be a part of the hearing.
The hearing will normally take place within 30 days of the respondent's request or OSC's recommendation.
At the disciplinary hearing, which will be presided over by the DHO, the OSC will present the findings of their investigation and call witnesses to testify. Members of the Hearing Panel and the respondent themselves may also call witnesses.
UPenn rules allow students to have an advisor present at these hearings, and the advisor may be permitted to question witnesses or address the Hearing Panel at the discretion of the DHO. Even if your advisor isn't permitted to participate in the proceedings, you can benefit from their presence. An attorney can help you understand your rights, present your case and evidence in the strongest possible manner, and formulate questions for you to ask witnesses.
They can also advise you on the next steps to undertake if your hearing does not go well and can help you understand the legal recourse you have.
Hire an Experienced Nursing Student Defense Attorney
The LLF Law Firm Student Defense Team has many years of experience defending nursing students in Pennsylvania and other states. Consider retaining the LLF Law Firm Student Defense Team to help you minimize the sanctions against you and protect yourself from damage to your career and academic record.
You have obviously worked hard to be where you are, and a lapse in judgement or the pressure to perform well academically can land you in a tricky position where you could be facing severe sanction or even expulsion. Do not let a single mistake ruin your nursing career. Working with an attorney ensures you are able to clearly present your defense to the hearing panel and DHO, understand and advocate for your rights, and make the most of the legal recourse available to you. An attorney or attorney advisor may even be able to negotiate with the university on your behalf and have them reduce the sanctions against you.
The Student Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm can help you if you are facing any complaints or charges during your time at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.
Call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to discuss your discipline or education law-related issue with our Student Defense Team.
