The University of Washington School of Nursing opened its doors in 1918 due to the global flu pandemic. Since then, it has remained a West Coast staple of research, patient care, and nursing education. The school currently offers numerous types of nursing degrees at the bachelor, master, and doctorate levels. Some programs offered include the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science, DNP Family Practitioner, and DNP Nurse Midwifery. The school also offers several graduate certificates through its continuing education program. The School of Nursing has campuses in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell, Washington.
Failure to adhere to the school's strict academic, professional, and ethical standards can result in severe disciplinary consequences. Suspensions, dismissals, and other academic sanctions can have a long-lasting impact on your academic success and professional reputation. Disciplinary records can quickly intensify, resulting in legal and personal repercussions that bar you from working in the healthcare industry.
If you face disciplinary threats at the University of Washington's School of Nursing, don't fight these allegations alone. You have worked too hard for too long to approach your future with anything less than a strategic plan. Our national Student Defense Team of attorneys at the Lento Law Firm has experience navigating the bureaucratic processes at nursing schools. Contact us today at (888) 535-3686 or by filling out our online contact form.
Academic, Ethical, and Professional Requirements for Nursing Students at the University of Washington.
Nursing students at the University of Washington's School of Nursing are held to rigorous academic, ethical, and professional standards. Within its general policies, the school forewarns nursing students that “they have entered into nursing in which full participation in the learning environment is an essential component.”
Professional and Ethical Behavioral Requirements
Nursing students must abide by the school's policies on personal conduct to gain admission and continuation in the school's programs. Some key provisions of the school's policies demand the following from students:
- The ability to communicate with patients effectively and sensitively (and their family members,) staff, faculty, superiors, and peers.
- The ability to express ideas clearly and appropriately, as well as the ability to properly give and receive feedback.
- The capacity to analyze, integrate, and evaluate with proper judgment skills, especially in new environments.
- Timely completion of expected responsibilities.
- Emotional stability to function under stress while also communicating empathetically.
- Demonstrated ability to form compelling and harmonious relationships free from racism, bias, and discrimination.
A student's behavior may be classified as unethical or unprofessional if they depart from these standards. Examples of other prohibited conduct include criminal behavior, illegal substance abuse, and sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct allegations, however, are addressed through a separate grievance policy guided by federal legislation known as Title IX.
Disciplinary Procedures at the University of Washington School of Nursing
Suppose a nursing student fails to meet the school's behavioral or professional expectations. In that case, the school will thoroughly investigate the alleged misconduct within the context of the school's disciplinary policies and procedures. After noting a student's conduct in their official student record, the school evaluates if the behavior was an isolated incident that can be addressed without disciplinary measures. If the school determines that the student's behavior was either egregious or constitutes a pattern of ongoing misconduct that must be addressed, then formal disciplinary procedures begin.
Sometimes, students may be issued a formal warning without additional consequences. In other instances, the school may determine that the student needs to be placed on a behavioral contract prepared by the student's faculty advisor. This contract dictates changes the student must make to remain in the program. If students fail to adhere to the contract terms at any point during the remainder of their time at the school, they can be dismissed from the program.
It's important to note that nursing students have due process rights throughout this process that allows them to understand the facts surrounding the allegations against you and share their side of the story. If you feel you are being unfairly coerced into signing a behavior contract at the University of Washington School of Nursing, our Student Defense Team can help you navigate your options.
Learning Contracts for Academic Issues
In instances where a nursing student's poor performance is purely academic and does not involve any cases of improper ethical or professional conduct, the school of nursing offers a separate contract for improvement known as a learning contract. According to this policy, instructors first meet with a student to discuss their lack of progress in the program and help the student identify areas of needed improvement. The student then signs a contract indicating that they were warned about their academic progress and offered a chance to improve their grade throughout the quarter. Students then regularly meet with their professors throughout the remainder of the quarter to monitor their progress. Students who fail a course may be subject to academic dismissal from the program.
The school recognizes that there may be times when poor academic performance results from unfair treatment or grading by a professor. In this case, the nursing school offers undergraduate nursing students the option to file a formal grievance alleging unfair treatment involving academic affairs. If you feel as though you need help navigating unfair, unjust, or unequable therapy at the University of Washington School of Nursing, contact our Education Law Team today for assistance.
Hire the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team
The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has defended nursing students throughout Washington and nationwide. Our compassionate and available Student Defense Team will help you evaluate your unique circumstances so you can strategically approach your academic career at the University of Washington School of Nursing. Contact us today by calling (888) 535-3686 or by using our online contact form.
