The Saint Louis University School of Nursing takes its job of preparing students for the rigors of the health profession seriously. It's not just that coursework is demanding, though that's certainly true. The school's mission statement talks about educating the “‘the whole person'—mind, body, heart, and spirit” (Student Handbook 6). Nursing is a high calling, one that demands hard work, discipline, and unwavering moral and ethical values. The SLU SON wants to make sure you're fully prepared.
Tough requirements and strict codes of conduct are ultimately to your benefit. When you graduate, employers and communities will know you're qualified. You'll know it, too. There are high standards, though, and then there are unreasonable standards. You're a student, which means you're still learning, and you deserve fair treatment.
The Lento Law Firm is here to make sure you get it. Our Student Defense Team is on your side and always ready to step in to make sure your university nursing program respects your rights. Whether you've found yourself accused of sexual misconduct or you just need to know how to get resources for your learning disability, we can help you navigate the SLU SON system.
To find out more, call 888-535-3686, or take time right now and fill out our questionnaire and let us know how we can help.
Nursing Standards at SLU's School of Nursing
Before you even apply to the School of Nursing at SLU, you have to complete some serious science coursework. That only continues once you are officially a nursing student. And often, courses in the practical work of nursing can be even more difficult. All of your classes and clinical work are designed to help you meet a set of thirteen learning outcomes (Student Handbook 12). That list includes standards such as
- The ability to relate to people as unique individuals possessing value and worth
- The ability to apply theoretical and empirical knowledge in the practical care of patients
- The ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, community representatives, and consumers
- An understanding of healthcare policy and its effect on the practice of nursing
- A facility with healthcare technology
- Skills in critical thinking and problem-solving
You won't find a list like this with other majors at Saint Louis University. Likewise, the academic standards are a bit higher in the School of Nursing (Student Handbook 46-51). Passing courses, for example, means earning a minimum 77 percent exam average and a satisfactory rating on all clinical activities, and you must pass all courses in order to graduate. To remain in good academic standing, you need to keep your GPA above 2.5. Two semesters below that number, or just two failed courses, can lead to dismissal.
Issues of Misconduct
All students at Saint Louis University are held to high standards of personal conduct. As a nursing student, though, the university expects even more from you.
Generally, you're subject to three basic sets of rules and regulations.
- Academic Misconduct: Cheating, plagiarism, and any other sorts of classroom dishonesty are explicitly prohibited under SLU's Academic Honesty Policy.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: General campus misconduct, like trespassing, hazing, drug usage, and weapons possession, is covered under the university's Student Responsibilities and Community Standards.
- Sexual Misconduct: Sexual discrimination and harassment, including offenses such as stalking, dating violence, and rape, are usually dealt with as Title IX sexual misconduct offenses. These are among the most serious disciplinary violations a student can commit and are most often punished with expulsion.
Nursing students are additionally held to strict standards of professional and ethical conduct (Student Handbook 20-21. These have to do with
- Professional demeanor, including everything from your sobriety to how you dress
- Concern for patient welfare
- Concern for the rights of others
- Sense of responsibility to duty
Sanctions
The School of Nursing utilizes the same basic list of sanctions employed by the university at large.
- Warnings
- University censure
- In-course punishments such as lower grades on assignments and lowered course grades
- Special educational assignments
- Disciplinary probation
- Attendance at a workshop or class
- Restorative justice
- Community service
- Mandated counseling
- Restitution
- Suspension of privileges
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Denial or revocation of degree
The School of Nursing's ethical requirements mean you can receive more severe sanctions than most other students. Additionally, you should keep in mind that graduate schools, licensing agencies, and nursing employers will all hold you to the same high standards as the School of Nursing. That means even a minor infraction can have long-term consequences for your professional future. A simple warning for plagiarism on your permanent record calls your honesty into question. This is one reason why you need help from the Lento Law Firm. You simply can't afford to take any allegation of misconduct lightly.
Administrative and Judicial Processes at SLU SON
Given how much is at stake, the School of Nursing allows you to defend yourself whether you're facing academic or disciplinary sanctions. However, how you defend yourself will largely depend on the specific nature of the offense.
- Academic Sanctions: Even though these sanctions are based on fact—your coursework and GPA—the SON does give you the opportunity to appeal sanctions to the Admissions, Progression, and Graduation Committee. You're even entitled to address this committee directly (Student Handbook 48-51).
- Disciplinary Sanctions: These sanctions are based on allegations, so they are always subject to a judicial process. You can expect the university or the SON to conduct some form of investigation and to allow you the opportunity to make your case at a hearing (Student Handbook 22-23).
Working your way through administrative and judicial processes at Saint Louis University is never an easy proposition. Rules and procedures can be complicated. This is the other important reason why it's always to your benefit to have the Lento Law Firm attorney at your side. Your attorney can play a crucial role in helping you develop your defense and preparing you for what you'll face. In addition, though, they can help you draft documents, gather evidence, come up with witness questions, and even prepare your presentations. Plus, they're always keeping a close eye on how you're treated to ensure no one violates your basic due process rights.
Trust the Lento Law Firm to Handle Your Case
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team has defended hundreds of students from all types of issues—from rape charges to cheating scandals. We are always on your side, ready to fight for your rights, and determined to get you the best possible resolution to your case.
For more information on what we can do for you, call us today at 888-535-3686 or click on our online form and tell us about your problem.
