Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse. You need a passion for the health sciences, you need a strong work ethic, and you need to have personal and professional values that are above reproach. If you've been accepted into the University of Arizona's several nursing programs, it's clear that the College of Nursing (CON) sees these qualities in you. You're not done proving your merit, though. Getting into a program is just the start. The CON takes the job of educating healthcare professionals seriously, and you can expect to be held to the very highest standards.
That's a good thing. It means when you graduate, your degree will be worth something. You'll know you're prepared to face graduate school or your career, and graduate schools and employers will know that as well.
What do you do, though, when faculty and administrators try to hold you to standards that are just too high, standards no reasonable person could ever meet? It happens more often than you might think.
You contact the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team. That team was assembled to help students get the fair treatment they deserve and to make sure every student has an opportunity to earn their degree. We know how hard you work, and we're always on your side. Whether you need help with a specific misconduct issue or you're simply looking for someone to help you navigate the UA CON system, we're here for you. To find out more, call 888-535-3686 or take a little time now and fill out an online questionnaire.
Nursing Standards at the University of Arizona College of Nursing
Your primary job as a student? Master the concepts and ideas you'll need to enter the healthcare profession. Going in, it helps if you have some idea of what to expect.
As UA's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) handbook explains, the conventional program lasts twenty-four months, four fall and spring semesters. Most of the instruction happens in person. In addition to straightforward classwork, you're also accountable for completing assigned clinical and interprofessional experiences. For all of this, you're expected to maintain “perfect attendance.” Absences are grounds for lowered course grades or withdrawals from courses.
By the time you've graduated, the CON expects you to have gained proficiency in eight separate technical standards.
- Motor Abilities and Physical Strength
- Manual Dexterity
- Perceptual/ Sensory Ability
- Behavioral/ Interpersonal/ Psychosocial Skills
- Creating and Maintaining Safe Environments for Patients, Families, and Coworkers
- Communication
- Punctuality Work Habits
- Cognitive/ Conceptual/ Quantitative Abilities
Finally, you should be aware of the BSN program's academic standing policies. First, you are required to earn no less than a "C" in all coursework, and you have only one opportunity to repeat a course you fail. In addition, there's a GPA requirement. To remain in good standing, you must maintain a cumulative grade point above 2.0. Anything lower than that means academic probation. While on probation, you must create a written action plan, and you have just one semester to improve. After that, you face dismissal.
Issues of Misconduct
Like any other University of Arizona undergrad, you are held accountable for UA's several behavioral policies.
- Academic Integrity: This includes offenses specifically related to your classroom work, misconduct such as cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and multiple submissions.
- Student Code of Conduct: This relates to your behavior outside of class and includes offenses such as theft, assault, disorderly conduct, underage drinking, weapons possession, and hazing.
- Sexual Misconduct: Like all colleges and universities, the University of Arizona is obligated under Title IX to investigate all credible complaints of sexual misconduct. The federal government also pressures schools to institute harsh penalties up to and including dismissal. Offenses can range from simple verbal harassment to stalking, dating violence, and rape.
In addition, as a nursing candidate, you are held to a number of ethical and moral standards regarding your personal and professional behavior. For example, UA's College of Nursing subscribes to the American Nurse's Association's Code of Ethics, which includes strictures on things like patient dignity, privacy rights, personal integrity, and human rights. You're also subject to HIPPA laws; you're expected to treat supervisors, patients, and colleagues with respect, and your communication skills must be strong.
Keep in mind, too, that any violation of UA's academic, disciplinary, and sexual misconduct policies are treated more seriously because you're in the nursing program. The CON wants to be certain you have the temperament to go into the healthcare field.
Sanctions
UA and the College of Nursing utilize a broad range of sanctions depending on the nature of an offense. Possible punishments can include
- Written warning
- In-course punishments such as lower grades on assignments and lowered course grades
- Disciplinary probation
- Academic integrity probation
- Dismissal from the College of Nursing
- Restitution
- Suspension of privileges
- Denial of degree
- Suspension
- Dismissal
- Revocation of degree
Keep in mind, though, that for you, there are no minor offenses or lesser sanctions. Even a warning for cheating sends a signal to graduate schools and prospective employers that you can't be trusted. Even if a sanction doesn't actually appear on your transcript or in your permanent record, state licensing boards generally require that you list all misconduct charges you've faced while in school. You must take seriously any finding of Responsible (guilty) for any misconduct offense. That means making sure the Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is on your side.
Administrative and Judicial Processes at the University of Arizona College of Nursing
A misconduct charge is more of a threat to your future than it is to other students simply because nurses are expected to meet high ethical standards. The good news, though, is that UA CON always gives you the right to defend yourself from charges. Just because someone has leveled an accusation at you doesn't mean you're going to wind up sanctioned. The attorneys at the Lento Law Firm have defended hundreds of students from all types of charges, and we know all the possible defense strategies. For instance,
- Academic Deficiencies: Extenuating circumstances—long-term illnesses, family emergencies, or serious bouts of depression—can be grounds for extra time to get your GPA up.
- Disciplinary Misconduct: These have to do with more general campus behavior. You are entitled to an investigation and a hearing any time you're charged with misconduct. In addition, you have a number of significant due process rights designed to protect you. The Lento Law Firm attorney can show you how to use the rights effectively and make sure you're treated fairly throughout the process.
The Lento Law Firm attorney recognizes that your particular situation calls for its own particular responses. You can expect them to sit down with you and go over your case with a fine tooth comb. They'll recommend the best possible solution, and they'll work with you to help you implement that solution.
Trust the Lento Law Firm to Handle Your Case
The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is always on your side, ready to fight for your rights, and determined to get you the best possible resolution to your case. We have a background and experience in student defense that no law firm in the country can match.
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.
