Student Conduct

Smoking Policy

Mount Carmel is a tobacco and smoke-free facility. Use of tobacco products, including, but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and pipes is prohibited within all Mount Carmel facilities, on all Mount Carmel owned property, or any College student residence facilities. The College complies fully with all federal, state, city, and Mount Carmel Health System regulations regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco on campus, including the residence apartments.

Further, students are prohibited from smoking anywhere while wearing the student uniform, lab coat, and/or student ID badge. Violators will receive one verbal warning. The consequences of continued non-compliance include progressive counseling and may result in dismissal from the Resident Apartments and/or College.

Student Attire

Purchasing Student Uniform and Lab Coat

The MCCN student uniform is required, starting with enrollment in Nursing 205 (sophomore level). Those students are required to obtain the approved nursing student uniform with a Mount Carmel College of Nursing shoulder patch attached to the upper left sleeve.

The approved MCCN uniform (approximately $60.00 to $70.00) is available from:

Flagstaff Industries Corporation
560 State Road, 2nd Floor
Bensalem, PA 19020
Phone: 800-426-4607
Fax: 215-638-7928
Website: www.flagstaffuniforms.com

This is currently the only accepted vendor for the MCCN nursing student uniform. Uniforms can be ordered directly from their website. Go to www.flagstaffuniforms.com:

• Click on “Nursing School Login”
• Username: carmel (use lower case)
• Password: columbus (use lower case)

Lab coats can also be purchased through Flagstaff Uniforms or at any uniform store that carries full (knee) length lab coats.

Flagstaff uniforms and lab coats come with the MCCN shoulder patch already sewn on. Additional shoulder patches, if needed, can be purchased ($5.00 each) at the Reception Desk in Marian Hall. Two chevrons are included with the price of the MCCN student patch. A silver chevron is to be added to the sleeve beneath the patch at the beginning of the junior year. At the beginning of the senior year, a maroon chevron is added to the sleeve below the patch and silver chevron.

Student Dress Policy

Failure to comply with the dress code may result in disciplinary actions including, but not limited to, dismissal from the classroom or clinical site. Any adaptations to this policy due to cultural or health reasons are to be negotiated with the Undergraduate Associate Dean.

The student dress code is enforced with the goal to assure a high standard in professional self-presentation. It is important for Mount Carmel students to recognize their role as representatives of the College and the profession of nursing in all settings. Appearance and self-presentation must be commensurate with professional expectations.

College Identification (ID) Badge

Students are issued identification (ID) badges as part of the first semester registration process. Badges serve a number of functions, including identifying students in the College and providing access to College services.

Students must wear ID badges at all times while in the role of a Mount Carmel student, following these guidelines:

1. Badges must be attached to a badge holder and worn at chest level.
2. Badges and badge holders must be free of pins, keys, stickers, or other ornamentation.
3. Lanyards are not acceptable as badge holders.
4. If a student does not have an ID badge, a temporary ID badge must be obtained from the Office of Safety and Security.

Badges must be returned to the Director of Records and Registration if a student withdraws from the College or takes a leave of absence. Lost ID badges can be replaced (for a fee) at the Mount Carmel West Safety and Security Office.

Student Attire – College Areas/Hospital Campus

Students should present a positive, businesslike, and professional image through dress and actions. In classrooms, main lounge, first floor of the College, the pedestrian mall, cafeteria, and library, all students are expected to wear clothing that is neat, clean, and appropriate for the setting. The style of clothing must not be unduly revealing; proper undergarments are to be worn and not visible. Short shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, house slippers, and pajamas are not permitted. Exposure of abdomen, cleavage and/or buttocks, and bare feet are not permitted. Sunbathing is not permitted on the hospital and/or College campus.

Dress Code – Clinical Settings

The official student uniform must be worn with the College insignia attached to the upper left sleeve. The uniform should fit appropriately and be clean and pressed. Appropriate undergarments are to be worn and not visible. Shoes must be white leather (or leather-like) with heels and toes enclosed, polished, and in good repair. No mesh or partially mesh shoes are permitted. White hosiery must be worn with the student dress uniform. White socks or hose which cover the student’s ankles are required with the pant uniform. For warmth and/or modesty, a plain white, light-weight, collarless or turtleneck, long or short sleeved, fine gauge knit shirt may be worn under the uniform top. If long sleeves are worn, they must be capable of being pulled to the elbow and remain stationary. In some settings, students may wish to wear a white scrub jacket or lab coat over the student uniform. The lab coats or scrub jackets must display the Mount Carmel insignia patch on the upper left sleeve. Faculty approval is necessary before wearing either of these in the clinical setting.

Jewelry must be kept to a minimum and is limited to engagement and/or wedding rings, one small set of post earrings in the earlobes, and medical alert tags. A watch with a second hand is required. Necklaces, visible body piercings, tongue piercings, and other jewelry are not permitted.

White long sleeved turtlenecks must be worn under student uniform top if tattoos are present on arms and/or neck.

No artificial nails are permitted. Nails must be short (not visible from the palm side of the hand), clean, and neat. Only clear nail polish which is not chipped and without additional designs or ornamentation is permitted.

Hair must be neat, conservative, and of a natural hair color. Long hair must be secured off the face so as not to risk contamination of the field of care. Any hair ornament must be simple and functional. Facial hair (beards and mustaches) is to be neatly trimmed and groomed.

Make-up and aromas. Any make-up must be conservative. Precautions must be taken to avoid odors that are offensive, overpowering, and/or could adversely impact others. Any colognes, perfumes, or aftershaves should be lightly scented. Odors related to food, smoking, and lack of deodorant must be avoided.

No chewing gum is permitted when in the clinical area or when in uniform.

Pregnant students are to wear a properly fitting white uniform with the College insignia on the left sleeve. All other student uniform policies are applicable as stated.

Dress Code—Non-uniform Clinical Sites

Students must be professionally dressed in clinical areas not requiring the student uniform. College identification badges must be clearly displayed. Student dress must be consistent with standards and requirements of the clinical environment and expectations of the faculty and preceptors.

Student Lab Coat Policy

The clean, pressed lab coat full (knee) length with the College insignia on the upper left sleeve must be worn over street clothes when students enter the clinical area to study clients’ charts, check assignments, or visit clients. The lab coat is to be worn over professional and neat clothing. The length of dresses or skirts must come at least to the top of the knees. No hats, jeans, shorts, Capri pants, sweats, sandals, or flip-flops are permitted. The College ID badge must be evident at chest level on the lab coat.

Cell Phone Policy

Personal cell phone use is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories, and in clinical experiences. Faculty and students must turn off and stow cell phones in purses or book bags before the start of class and during all exams. Cell phones should be turned off or quieted during meetings.

The College has provided education software for students and faculty for use on their personal handheld devices in situations including clinical areas. The devices are only to be used in clinical areas as an education resource in the provision of patient care. Any abuse of this policy will result in losing the privilege to use the electronic educational resources and mobile devices in clinical experiences and classroom settings. This policy applies to all students and faculty members at MCCN.

Social Media Policy

At Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) we understand that social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blogs and LinkedIn, are powerful and important communication channels that can significantly impact our community and our organization’s reputation and brand loyalty.

To assist in managing and posting information on such sites, the College has developed a policy and guidelines to help clarify how best to enhance and protect professional and personal reputations when participating in social media. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, and alumni in association with MCCN social media accounts.

Social Media Protocol at Mount Carmel College of Nursing

• The purpose of using social media channels at MCCN is to support the mission, vision, programs, and services of MCCN and to effectively communicate news, issues, and events with the community and among key stakeholders.
• All College sponsored social media sites will be administered and monitored by the MCCN College Relations Department to ensure brand positioning. All information for posting should be sent directly to this department.
• The College has the right to remove comments and content from its social media sites if they compromise privacy, contain inappropriate language, are inaccurate, or impact organizational integrity.
• The general social media guidelines and policies of Trinity Health, the MCCN parent organization, must be taken into consideration, where applicable, when using social media channels.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Social Media Strategy

Social media initiatives at Mount Carmel College of Nursing are designed to connect key stakeholders, establish relationships and a sense of community, and help maintain brand loyalty.

The strategy behind MCCN social media is to create a social community for Mount Carmel College of Nursing students, faculty, alumni, prospective students, and other key stakeholders to encourage dialogue and aid in brand loyalty. Participation will be encouraged through various marketing and communications initiatives including: articles in campus paper, emails to students and faculty, posting on Carmel Link, placing social media icons on the College website homepage and utilizing icons when appropriate for advertising.

Our social media campaign began with the launch of two Facebook sites (Alumni and College) in 2010 and a YouTube channel in early 2011. A college Twitter account has been secured and will be launched at a later date.

MCCN Social Media Channels

Facebook
MCCN: http://www.facebook.com/mccnedu
MC Alumni: http://www.facebook.com/mcalumniassoc

The official MCCN Facebook should, at minimum, contain:

• Wall feed, regularly updated with items of interest to the majority of students and staff – wall feed should be updated at least 1-2x per week. Wall feed should be kept casual and conversational; questions should be posted to encourage participation from current students/faculty.
• Info tab with all MCCN contact information and links
• Photos tab with regularly updated photos of College events and scenes: update as often as possible. Posting photos and asking for comments are a great way to get students involved in Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s social media campaign
• Video tab with duplication of YouTube videos
• Post events and MCCN activities on both wall and within events tab
• Comment Policy tab: allowing genuine negative posts increases the validity if the page. Mount Carmel College of Nursing should respond to these negative posts in a manner that diffuses any anger and promotes the best interests of the College.
   

A Facebook page is considered “official” if the following rules are adhered to:

• The MCCN logo is shown prominently on the page
• At least one representative of College Relations Department is an administrator of the page
• The title of the page includes “Mount Carmel College of Nursing”
• College Relations must have approval/ knowledge of the existence of the page
• The page has a vanity URL (www.facebook.com/mccnedu)

YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/mccnedu

If you record any video footage that you would like posted on the official site, send a CD or Flash drive to MCCN College Relations.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Comment Policy

We encourage your comments on Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s various social media sites and hope you will join the discussions. We can’t respond to every comment, particularly those that deal with individual medical cases and issues. We reserve the right to remove posts that:

• Post advertisements or solicitations of a business.
• Post chain letters or pyramid schemes. Impersonate another person.
• Allow any other person or entity to use your identification for posting or viewing comments.
• Post the same note more than once or “spam.”
• Infringe on the rights of any third party, including intellectual property, privacy or publicity rights.
• Are unlawful, obscene, defamatory, threatening, harassing, abusive, slanderous, hateful, or embarrassing to any other person or entity as determined by MCCN in its sole discretion.
• Are abusive, illegal or disruptive, or that otherwise fail to conform to these Terms and Conditions.

By posting any comments, posts or other material on MCCN-sponsored social media, you give Mount Carmel College of Nursing the irrevocable right to reproduce, distribute, publish, display, edit, modify, create derivative works from, and otherwise use your submission for any purpose in any form and on any media.

Finally, you agree that you will indemnify Mount Carmel College of Nursing against any damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs) arising out of a claim by a third party relating to any material you have posted.

General Guidelines for the safe use of social media tools:

• Protect confidential and proprietary information: Do not post confidential or proprietary information about patients, faculty, staff, alumni or other students. Key College stakeholders must still follow the applicable federal requirements such as FERPA and HIPA in cyberspace and adhere to all applicable College privacy and confidentiality policies. Individuals who share confidential information do so at the risk of disciplinary action or dismissal.
• Personal privacy: Avoid publishing personal contact details where they can be accessed and used widely by people you did not intend to see them. It is better to con-tact an individual outside the collaborative space if you want to take something off-line.
• Respect copyright and fair use: Always consider copyright and intellectual property rights when utilizing social media sites.
• Don’t use the MCCN logos for endorsements: Do not use the Mount Carmel College of Nursing logo or any other College images or iconography on personal social media sites. Be cognizant of pictures of students in their uniform where the MCCN logo can be seen.
• Identify yourself: When discussing MCCN or its business, always identify clearly who you are, what your role in MCCN is and publish in the first person. Use a disclaimer when appropriate.
• Disclaimer: If you are publishing information about MCCN or your role in MCCN you should use a disclaimer along the following lines: “The views expressed on this site are my own and don’t reflect the views of my employer.”
• Personal responsibility: You are personally responsible for content you publish using social media tools. Remember that what you publish will be public for many years. There is no complete delete online.
• Liability: Always remember that the same laws, professional expectations, and guidelines for interacting in person also apply online. Individuals are liable for anything they post to social media sites. This policy is not inclusive of all situations related to social media.
• Keep calm: Don’t pick fights by escalating heated discussions. Be conciliatory, respectful and quote facts to lower the temperature and correct misrepresentations. Never contribute to a discussion if you are angry: leave it, calm down, and return to it at a later date when you can contribute in a calm and rational manner.
• Personal judgment: If you feel even slightly uneasy about something you are about to publish, the chances are you shouldn’t do it. Before posting anything think about the consequences of what would happen in the event that it becomes widely known (for example printed in a newspaper or posted on a billboard) and how that would impact everyone involved. Search engines can retrieve posts years after they were created or deleted and communications can be forwarded or copied. There is no complete delete online.
• Respect: Don’t use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conduct that would be unacceptable in a MCCN workplace. Always consider others’ privacy and avoid discussing topics that may be inflammatory e.g. politics and religion.
• Etiquette: Before your first contribution on any social media site, it is a good idea to observe the activity on the site for a while before launching in yourself to get a feel for the style of contributions, the nature of the content and any ‘unwritten’ rules that other contributors might follow.
• Terms of service: Obey the Terms of Service of any social media platform employed.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

The College complies with The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), which is designed to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. This law requires all colleges and universities receiving federal funds or any other form of financial assistance, including participation in federally funded or guaranteed student loan programs, to adopt and implement a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program. To comply with the law, a college must annually distribute to each student and employee:

1. Standards of conduct that prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and associates on the college’s property or as part of any college sponsored activity.
2. A description of applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol.
3. A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
4. A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation, or re-entry programs that are available to students and employees.
5. A clear statement that the college, consistent with local, state, or federal law, will impose sanctions against a student or employee who violates the standards of conduct.
6. A biennial review of its drug and alcohol abuse prevention program to determine the program’s effectiveness.

Standards of Conduct

In complying with the federal law, Mount Carmel is concerned about the welfare of its students and employees and wishes to demonstrate commitment to a drug and alcohol free environment. A drug and alcohol free environment will also serve to maintain quality services, reduce accidents, and increase productivity.

Corrective actions, up to and including termination or expulsion, for offenses and violations of this policy are handled through the Student Grievance Procedures. The Executive Team reserves the right to hear all cases.

It is the responsibility of each student to report to class, clinical, or any other College related function in a physical condition that allows for discharging his/her responsibilities. The following pertains to students or employees on College property, hospital property, while involved in clinical at any affiliating agency, or as part of any College sponsored activity. Students are subject to corrective actions, including termination or expulsion, for any of the following:

1. Unlawfully possessing, being impaired or under the influence, or using or distributing illicit drugs and/or alcohol.
2. Using prescribed medications that impair safe and/or efficient work performance.
3. Misusing prescription or nonprescription drugs.
4. Falsifying, or making grossly incorrect, inconsistent, or unintelligible entries in any hospital, patient, or other record regarding any drug or narcotic.
5. Being convicted or confined by a court for intemperate use of or addiction to alcohol or other chemical substance.
6. Possessing, selling, or consuming alcoholic beverages in any form on College premises or College related premises.
7. Habitually indulging in the use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs ability to practice nursing or perform one’s College related responsibilities.
8. Impairment of ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of physical, psychological, or mental disability related to the use of alcohol or other drugs or because of dependency on or excessive use of alcohol or other drugs.
9. Smoking and/or possessing any illegal drug including marijuana.
10. Obtaining, prescribing, possessing, or administering any controlled substance, dangerous or illegal drug, or alcoholic beverages in violation of the law, to oneself or to another person.
11. Unlawful possession includes any illegal or unlawful drug or any controlled substance and is not limited to any narcotic including opium (morphine, codeine, heroin) coca leaves, or any other substance not chemically distinguishable.
12. Knowingly making, obtaining, or possessing drug abuse instruments whose customary and primary purpose is for the administration or use of a dangerous or illegal drug.
13. Obtaining any dangerous or illegal drug by attempting or committing a theft.
14. Knowingly or intentionally forging, making, selling, or possessing a false or forged prescription.

Description of Drug or Alcohol Counseling

If a person’s behavior, cognitive, or psychological functioning is disruptive or altered significantly, the person will be counseled by an administrator, a faculty member, or professional staff member. The person may be requested to submit to drug/alcohol screening for cause. Refusal to comply may result in termination from the College. Following drug/alcohol screening and initial counseling, the following steps will be implemented. The student will:

1. take responsibility for recovery;
2. agree that permanent abstinence is mandatory;
3. sign a contract for treatment with an agency approved by the College;
4. procure a sponsor and enter into a long term therapeutic relationship with that College approved sponsor; and
5. provide the College with ongoing progress reports regarding treatment.
6. The student and the College will maintain a confidential relationship regarding the treatment.

The contract between the student and College must include:

1. Type of therapy implemented (i.e., group, individual, support)
2. Periodic blood and urine screening
3. Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous, as deemed necessary
4. Regular contact with designated persons in the College
5. Length of time contract will be valid
6. Statement regarding confidentiality

Students may remain in College with the following stipulations:

1. Maintain a satisfactory (“C” or higher) academic standing
2. Maintain personal and professional integrity
3. Meet all the contractual stipulations
4. Remain free from all illicit drugs and alcohol

Sanctions

Mount Carmel College of Nursing will impose sanctions on students consistent with local, state, and federal law. The sanctions may include, but are not limited to, expulsion or termination from the College of Nursing and referral for prosecution for violations of the Standards of Conduct.

Substance Abuse Testing

All students entering Mount Carmel College of Nursing are tested for drug and substance abuse. This is a mandatory requirement. The nominal fee for this testing will be charged to the student’s MCCN account. If a student has additional testing through Secure Check, the additional fee will be charged to the student’s MCCN account.

Positive Results

If the student tests positive for non-prescribed controlled or illegal substances and/or alcohol, the student will meet with the College President and/or the Mount Carmel Health System Director of Employee Health, or the Undergraduate Associate Dean, and the following procedures will be enforced:

1. The student will be placed on non-academic probation and issued a final written warning. A second positive test will result in dismissal from the College.
2. Immediate referral will be made to the Mount Carmel Health System Employee Assistance Program (HelpNet) for assessment and possible referral to a trained substance abuse counselor at the student’s expense, or other appropriate treatment plan.
3. The student must not participate in any clinical experience until the HelpNet assessment has been completed, and a decision made by the intake specialist that the student is safe to participate in clinical experiences.
4. Permission will be granted by the student for the counselor to notify the College President of the recommended treatment plan and recommendation regarding safe return to patient care activities. The College President will also be given permission to verify the student’s continued compliance with the treatment plan.
5. The student will agree to random urine screens, at the student’s expense, as dictated by the College. A second positive test will result in dismissal from the College.
6. The College has the right to remove the student from patient care settings if the determination is made that patient safety would be compromised.

If a student refuses assistance or fails to successfully complete the recommended rehabilitation program, the student will be dismissed from the College.

Confidentiality of Screen Results

Drug/alcohol screen results are kept in strict confidence. Results of screenings may be released to the College President and/or Associate or Assistant Dean. Results may also be shared with the providers facilitating treatment of the student, Mount Carmel Health System Employee Health Services, and Mount Carmel’s Medical Review Officer.

Failure to Participate

Any student who refuses to be screened for non-prescribed controlled or illegal substance and/or alcohol, on initial or follow up tests, will be considered to have tested positive and will be required to follow the substance abuse procedures.

Frequency of Testing

All students will be tested for use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse during their first semester of enrollment in the College. Following this initial testing, several students will be randomly selected yearly for testing; the fee for random testing will be charged to the student.

Weapons on Campus

Mount Carmel College of Nursing has established the following policy in accordance with State of Ohio law:

Mount Carmel College of Nursing prohibits the possession, use, or storage of firearms or other dangerous weapons anywhere on the College or Mount Carmel Health System campuses.

In addition, this policy applies to any College student or employee when functioning in any role, regardless of location, while representing the College.

Sexual/Verbal Harassment and Bullying

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is committed to maintaining an institutional climate that fosters an open learning and working environment. The College understands that sexual/gender harassment is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated or condoned by the College. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Definitions

Sexual harassment includes repeated and unwelcome sexual advances, repeated sexual-ly-oriented kidding, teasing or joking; flirtations, advances, or propositions; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; commentary about an individual’s body, sexual prowess, or sexual deficiencies; leering, whistling, touching, pinching, or brushing against another’s body; and the unwelcome display of objects or pictures that are sexual in nature that would create a hostile or offensive work environment.

Verbal harassment includes speaking to another person in a loud, abusive, rough, or threatening manner which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive teaching/learning/working environment.

Bullying includes repeated and/or severe, aggressive behavior likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control, or diminish another person physically or mentally. It could also include racial, religious, cultural sexual/sexist, homophobic, special educational needs, disability, and cyber (social websites, mobile phones, text messages, photographs, and email) bullying.

Investigation Procedure

Anyone who believes he/she has been the object of sexual/ verbal harassment or bullying should advise the President/Dean of the College. An individual will have up to 30 days after the alleged occurrence(s) to file a complaint. Strict confidentiality will be maintained, although the College will comply with all legal requirements including the reporting of legal violations to the proper authorities. Complaints will be investigated and all attempts will be made for prompt resolution. College administrators (President/Dean, Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Program, or Associate Dean of the Graduate Program) will strive to resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the primary witness and the respondent. If the alleged incident is not resolved to the satisfaction of the parties involved, the matter will be brought forward to a hearing board comprised of one member of the Executive Team, two faculty members, one professional staff member, and one student as appointed by the President/Dean. The hearing process will ensure that all parties involved receive due process. All persons affected by a particular incident will be treated with respect and given full opportunity to present their side of the incident. All parties will be afforded due process and as much confidentiality as possible. Recommendations will be forwarded to the President/Dean for final resolution.

Any person found to be in violation of the Mount Carmel College of Nursing Sexual/Verbal harassment policy will be disciplined. Discipline will vary according to the severity of the violation, and could result in dismissal from the College.

Reporting Registered Sexually Violent Predators

Information Regarding Registered Sexually Violent Predators

The Federal Government House Committee on Education and Workforce passed House Rule 4504 which requires all colleges to establish a policy notifying parents and others on the availability of information about “sexually violent predators” enrolled in or employed at the College.

Ohio law requires that convicted sex offenders to register within the county in which they reside. In Franklin County, sex offenders register with the Franklin County Sheriff’s office for a designated time period. Sex offenders are classified as 1) sexually oriented offenders, 2) habitual sex offenders, and 3) sexual predators.

Registered Sexually Violent Predators Enrolled in or Employed at Mount Carmel Col-lege of Nursing

Mount Carmel College of Nursing will make available to the entire College constituency, information on any sexual predator who enrolls in or is employed at the College. The information is made available to the College by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and includes the offender’s name, address, physical description, photograph, and the offense of which the person was convicted. The file is located in the College office. Please contact the College President’s office for specific information on individuals.

The President’s office will notify the College community in writing if a sexual predator has been enrolled or hired by the College.

Code of Conduct

It is understood that the Mount Carmel College of Nursing administration, faculty, staff, and student body share in the responsibility of upholding the College Mission and Core Values. Three committees of the College were entrusted to write a code of conduct reflecting this level of excellence: The Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee, the Student Government Association, and the Mutual Respect Committee. These Committees put forth the following code of conduct, a living document, designed to:

• work to ensure the integrity of the nursing and allied health professions;
• create an academic and professional environment that reflects the College’s Mission and Core Values;
• reflect the policies of the College on standards of conduct; and
• follow the policies on nursing practice from the Ohio Board of Nursing ( Rules Promulgated From the Law Regulating Practice of Nursing, 4723-5-12 (B).

In accordance with the above, the administration, faculty, staff, and students will commit to the following Code of Conduct:

Academic Excellence

1. Achieving the highest level of academic excellence that I can through honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom and in clinical settings.
2. Striving to embody excellence and provide the highest quality work in the academic and in the clinical settings.
3. Acting in a professional manner while in the College of Nursing and in all activities, functions, and clinical sites associated with the College and the profession of nursing.

Respect

1. Contributing to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
2. Regarding privacy and confidentiality as essential obligations.
3. Communicating with peers, staff, and faculty in a professional and respectful manner.
4. Taking responsibility for my words and actions.

Compassion

1. Demonstrating a commitment to the attributes of compassion, empathy, altruism, responsibility, and tolerance.
2. Demonstrating caring behaviors at all times.
3. Respecting individual diversity through a non-judgmental attitude and approach.
4. Working to become a creative problem solver.

Social Responsibility

1. Refusing to tolerate discrimination, disrespect, or bullying.
2. Committing to bring any discrimination, disrespect, or bullying to the attention of the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee or the Director of Student Life.
3. Refusing to tolerate incidents of dishonesty or lack of integrity.
4. Committing to bring incidents of dishonesty or lack of integrity to the attention of the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee or the Director of Student Life.

Academic and Professional Misconduct

Mount Carmel College of Nursing seeks to foster the intellectual, moral, and professional development of students. The faculty and staff believe that intellectual development evolves through a student’s own intellectual efforts. Academic and professional misconduct will not be tolerated.

Academic and professional misconduct are viewed as serious matters. Alleged acts of academic or professional misconduct will be investigated and all confirmed acts will result in sanctions related to the misconduct.

Academic and professional honesty is determined by the student doing his/her own work throughout the program in either the classroom or clinical setting. This includes the student’s own work with drafts, reports, examinations, papers, clinical summaries, care plans, take home assignments, take home exams, online assignments, and other work as assigned in the course syllabus.

Academic and professional misconduct implies deception in fulfilling academic or professional requirements. Misconduct may take many forms and includes, but is not limited to:

1. Plagiarism: this is defined as submission of work that is not the student’s own work or submitting the ideas, writings, or thoughts of another person without proper documentation.
   
   • use of someone’s exact words as a quote in assignments without proper citation
   • use of material from the Internet without proper citation
2. Cheating during an examination by:
   
   • using notes or textbooks without the instructor’s consent
   • looking at another person’s paper
   • bringing items with notes written on them with the intent to use during an exam
   • communicating with another student during an examination
   • using electronic devices without instructor’s consent
3. Fabrication: this is defined as constructing, manufacturing, inventing, or creating for the sake of deception any classroom or clinical assignment.
   
   • forging or falsifying any clinical or academic information
   • documenting clinical hours that were not actually completed
   • falsifying any client record or other document used during clinical experiences
4. Unprofessional behavior: this is defined as violating the rules and ethical codes of the profession of nursing and this College as defined below.

Professional Behavior

The nursing profession demands that the individual in practice be responsible, accountable, self-directed, and professional in behavior. The process of becoming a professional person begins upon entering a professional education program. Opportunities to develop and practice these qualities exist in the student role. The College expects that students will demonstrate their professionalism by:

• attending all classes and clinical experiences;
• exhibiting courteous behaviors in the classroom, clinical sites, while on the College campus, or while representing the College;
• being prepared for class and clinical assignments;
• being punctual for classes and College appointments; and
• by being respectful toward all members of the College community (faculty, staff, and students).

The National Student Nurses Association, Inc. has approved a Code of Academic and Clinical Conduct. This code is supported by the Mount Carmel College of Nursing and is available from the faculty advisor for the Student Nurses Association (www.nsna.org).

Student Conduct in the Nursing Care of Clients

The following policy is taken from the Ohio Board of Nursing’s Rules Promulgated From the Law Regulating Practice of Nursing, effective February 1, 2008 (reviewed October 1, 2011), 4723-5-12 (B) (accessed on the Ohio Board of Nursing website, March 15, 2012).

The policy, related to student conduct in providing nursing care, includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. A student shall, in a complete, accurate, and timely manner, report and document nursing assessments or observations, the care provided by the student for the client, and the client’s response to that care.
2. A student shall, in an accurate and timely manner, report to the appropriate practitioner errors in or deviations from the current valid order.
3. A student shall not falsify any client record or any other document prepared or utilized in the course of, or in conjunction with, nursing practice. This includes, but is not limited to, case management documents or reports, or time records, or reports, and other documents related to billing for nursing services.
4. A student shall implement measures to promote a safe environment for each client.
5. A student shall delineate, establish, and maintain professional boundaries with each client.
6. At all times when a student is providing direct nursing care to a client the student shall:
   
   1. Provide privacy during examination or treatment and in the care of personal or bodily needs; and
   2. Treat each client with courtesy, respect, and with full recognition of dignity and individuality.
7. A student shall practice within the appropriate scope of practice as set forth in division (B) of section 4723.01 and division (B)(20) of section 4723.28 of the Revised Code for a registered nurse, and division (F) of section 4723.01 and division (B)(21) of section 4723.28 of the Revised Code for a practical nurse;
8. A student shall use universal blood and body fluid precautions established by Chapter 4723-20 of the Administrative Code;
9. A student shall not:
   
   1. Engage in behavior that causes or may cause physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse to a client;
   2. Engage in behavior toward a client that may reasonably be interpreted as physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse.
10. A student shall not misappropriate a client’s property or:
    1. Engage in behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the client’s expense;
    2. Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the client’s expense;
    3. Engage in behavior that constitutes inappropriate involvement in the client’s personal relationships; or
    4. Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as inappropriate involvement in the client’s personal relationships.

For the purpose of this paragraph, the client is always presumed incapable of giving free, full, or informed consent to the behaviors by the student set forth in this paragraph.

11. A student shall not:
    
    1. Engage in sexual conduct with a client;
    2. Engage in conduct in the course of practice that may reasonably be interpreted as sexual;
    3. Engage in any verbal behavior that is seductive or sexually demeaning to a client;
    4. Engage in verbal behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as seductive, or sexually demeaning to a client.

For the purpose of this paragraph, the client is always presumed incapable of giving free, full, or informed consent to sexual activity with the student.

12. A student shall not, regardless of whether the contact or verbal behavior is consensual, engage with a patient other than the spouse of the student in any of the following:
    1. Sexual contact, as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code;
    2. Verbal behavior that is sexually demeaning to the patient or may be reasonably interpreted by the patient as sexually demeaning.
13. A student shall not self-administer or otherwise take into the body any dangerous drug, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, in any way not in accordance with a legal, valid prescription issued for the student.
14. A student shall not habitually indulge in the use of controlled substances, other habit-forming drugs, or alcohol or other chemical substances to an extent that impairs ability to practice.
15. A student shall not have impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of habitual or excessive use of drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances that impair the ability to practice.
16. A student shall not have impairment of the ability to practice according to acceptable and prevailing standards of safe nursing care because of a physical or mental disability;
17. A student shall not assault or cause harm to a patient or deprive a patient of the means to summon assistance;
18. A student shall not obtain or attempt to obtain money or anything of value by intentional misrepresentation or material deception in the course of practice;
19. A student shall not have been adjudicated by a probate court of being mentally ill or mentally incompetent, unless restored to competency by the court.
20. A student shall not aid and abet a person in that person’s practice of nursing without a license, practice as a dialysis technician without a certificate issued by the board, or administration of medications as a medication aide without a certificate issued by the board.
21. A student shall not prescribe any drug or device to perform or induce an abortion, or otherwise perform or induce an abortion;
22. A student shall not assist suicide as defined in section 3795.01 of the Revised Code.
23. A student shall not submit or cause to be submitted any false, misleading or deceptive statements, information, or document to the nursing program, its faculty or preceptors, or to the board.

R.C. 119.032 review dates: 10/08/2010 and 10/01/2011

Suspected Misconduct

When academic or professional misconduct is alleged, it is the responsibility of the staff or faculty in either the graduate or undergraduate nursing program to both discuss the matter with the student and file a written account of the alleged misconduct with recommendations for action, including the grade they recommend the student should earn if the academic misconduct allegation is connected to a graded portion of the course.

The faculty or staff will:

1. Meet with the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee to determine action to be taken.
2. Conduct a student/faculty conference to discuss the alleged misconduct.
3. Submit all documents relevant to the incident to the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee within five working days after the conference.
4. The Chairperson will forward all documents from the faculty and student to the Committee members prior to the meeting. If the student submits documents to the Chairperson of the Committee, these will be made available to the faculty involved before the Committee meeting.
5. The Chairperson will then schedule a Misconduct Hearing.
6. The Chairperson will submit all documents to the appropriate Dean.

When a student suspects misconduct by a peer, it is the responsibility of the student to report the allegation to the lead instructor. The reporting student and/or faculty may submit an allegation of misconduct to the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee. The reporting student is expected to participate as a witness at the scheduled hearing.

Continuation in Course

Students accused of misconduct are permitted to continue with coursework/clinical pending the final decision of the appropriate Dean. If the alleged misconduct jeopardizes patient safety, the student may not be permitted to remain in the course pending the decision.

Discontinuation in Course

If a student suspected of academic misconduct elects to withdraw, is dismissed, or seeks an LOA prior to resolution of the misconduct allegation, the Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee, the appropriate Dean, and the Chairperson of the Academic Progress Committee will be notified of the pending allegation of misconduct. A hearing on the alleged misconduct will still be held and a recommendation made in case the student wants to remain in or return to the nursing program at a later date.

Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee

The Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee is composed of four faculty, two students from the undergraduate program, and one student from the graduate program. The Chairperson must be a faculty member and will be selected by members of the Committee.

This Committee is charged with investigating allegations of misconduct and making recommendations to the Dean of the appropriate program.

In the event that a Committee member is involved in a case of alleged misconduct, the Committee Chairperson shall appoint a substitute. The Chairperson is responsible to orient the alternate Committee member prior to the hearing. Should the Chairperson require substitution, the Chairperson shall appoint another faculty committee member to serve as Chairperson.

Academic/Professional Misconduct Committee Hearings

When an alleged act of misconduct is brought before the Chairperson:

1. The student will be notified of the hearing date by the Chairperson.
2. The hearing will be scheduled no sooner than five working days after the student has received the written allegation and all relevant documents.
3. The student accused of misconduct is encouraged by the Chairperson to attend the Committee hearing.

Hearings are considered closed meetings (i.e., only the Committee members, the recorder, the student, and other individuals directly involved in the incident are permitted to attend). All persons involved in the committee meetings are required to sign a statement of confidentiality. The student is provided the opportunity to speak on his/her behalf, present a written statement or invite witnesses directly involved with the case to present information at the hearing. The faculty may also present witnesses, and both student and Committee may question witnesses.

The student’s academic record is not available to the Committee unless the recommendation to sanction has been made. Once the recommendation to sanction has been made, the student’s academic record will be reviewed to assist in determining the type of sanction.

Legal counsel will not be permitted to attend the hearing. A record of the hearing will be made. This record will be available to the student for the appeal period. All records related to the hearing are considered confidential. They may be released only to individuals who have a valid reason to know the outcome, according to FERPA guidelines.

Recommendations

The Committee will consider the following recommendations:

1. Dismiss allegations without any documentation in the student’s record of the alleged misconduct, OR
2. Sanction the student. Sanctions are placed in the student’s academic record.

Sanction recommendations may include, but are not limited to:

1. A letter of warning admonishing the student for the violation
2. Academic Probation
3. Dismissal from the College

All recommendations of this Committee will be forwarded to the appropriate Dean. The student, Chairperson of the Academic and Professional Misconduct Committee, and the faculty involved will be informed, in writing, of the Dean’s final decision within five working days of the hearing. The appropriate Dean will notify the President/Dean of the College.

Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal the decision of the Associate Dean of the Graduate Nursing Program or the Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Nursing Program and may do so by submitting an appeal to the President/Dean of the College. The appeal must be filed within 14 days from the date of the Associate Dean’s decision letter.