Student Conduct

Code of Conduct

It is understood that the administration, faculty, staff and student body share in the responsibility of upholding the Mission and Core Values of Mount Carmel College of Nursing. The Code of Conduct, strives 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.

In accordance with the above, faculty, staff, and students will commit to:

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 providing 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 bringing 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. Self-Plagiarisn: In the Undergraduate Program, students are required to submit original work for all courses. Papers and written work submitted for one course may not be used for an assignment in another course, except through negotiation with the instructor. Submitted duplicate work is considered self-plagiarism (academic misconduct).

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 (onsite or online) 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, 2014 (certified January 21, 2014), 4723-5-12(C) (accessed on the Ohio Board of Nursing website).

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 patient, and the patient’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 patient 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 patient.
5. A student shall delineate, establish, and maintain professional boundaries with each patient.
6. At all times when a student is providing direct nursing care to a patient the student shall:
   a.   Provide privacy during examination or treatment and in the care of personal or bodily needs; and
   b.   Treat each patient 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 and standard precautions established by Chapter 4723-20 of the Administrative Code;
9. A student shall not:
   a.   Engage in behavior that causes or may cause physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse to a patient;
   b.   Engage in behavior toward a patient that may reasonably be interpreted as physical, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse.
10. A student shall not misappropriate a patient’s property or:
    a.   Engage in behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the patient’s expense;
    b.   Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as behavior to seek or obtain personal gain at the patient’s expense;
    c.   Engage in behavior that constitutes inappropriate involvement in the patient’s personal relationships; or
    d.   Engage in behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as inappropriate involvement in the patient’s personal relationships.

For the purpose of this paragraph, the patient 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:
    a.   Engage in sexual conduct with a patient;
    b.   Engage in conduct in the course of practice that may reasonably be interpreted as sexual;
    c.   Engage in any verbal behavior that is seductive or sexually demeaning to a patient;
    d.   Engage in verbal behavior that may reasonably be interpreted as seductive, or sexually   demeaning to a patient.

For the purpose of this paragraph, the patient 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:
    a.   Sexual contact, as defined in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code;
    b.   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, or self-administer or otherwise take into the body any drug that is a schedule I controlled substance.
14. A student shall not habitually or excessively use 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 use of drugs, alcohol, or other chemical substances.
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 misappropriate or attempt to misappropriate 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.
24. A student shall maintain the confidentiality of patient information. The student shall communicate patient information with other members of the health care team for health care purposes only, shall access patient information only for purposes of patient care or for otherwise fulfilling the student’s assigned clinical responsibilities, and shall not disseminate patient information for purposes other than patient care or for otherwise fulfilling the student’s assigned clinical responsibilities through social media, texting, emailing or any other form of communication.
25. To the maximum extent feasible, identifiable patient health care information shall not be disclosed by a student unless the patient has consented to the disclosure  of  identifiable  patient  health  care  information.  A  student  shall report individually identifiable patient information without written consent in limited circumstances only and in accordance with an authorized law, rule, or other recognized legal authority.
26. For purposes of paragraphs (C)(5), (C)(6), (C)(9), (C)(10), (C)(11) and (C)(12) of this rule, a student shall not use social media, texting, emailing, or other forms  of  communication  with,  or  about  a  patient,  for  non-health  care purposes or for purposes other than fulfilling the student’s assigned clinical responsibilities.

Effective: 02/01/2014
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 10/15/2016
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 4723.07
Rule Amplifies: 4723.06
Prior Effective Dates: 02/01/1996, 04/01/1997, 02/01/2002, 02/01/2004, 02/01/2007, 02/01/2008, 02/01/2012

Suspected Misconduct - Disciplinary Action

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 officially withdraw from MCCN, is dismissed, or seeks a Leave of Absence (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. Distance online students may participate via teleconference, SKYPE, Google Talk/Hangouts, or Blackboard Collaborate, (Method of communication is at the discretion of the Academic/Professional Misconduct Committee.)

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.

Student Identification (ID) Badge

On campus 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.

Communication with Students

Information is frequently transmitted to onsite students through Nightingmail student email (mail.mccn.edu), the CARMELink student portal, the College newsletter (Carmel Rapper), bulletin board notices, or messages placed in student mailboxes. Onsite Students are expected to check their email and CARMELink accounts frequently and to check their mailboxes when they are on campus. The Marian Hall bulletin board across from the first floor elevators is used for general College announcements.

Information is frequently transmitted to online students through student Nightingmail/ email (mail.mccn.edu), and CARMELink (carmelink.mccn.edu/ICS/). Online students are expected to check their Nightingmail and CARMELink accounts frequently, at a minimum of every 48 hours, as they will be held responsible for updates and new information contained in email communication and courses.

Cell Phone Use 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 dialog 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 HIPAA 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 contact 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 Free Policy

Unlawful possession, use, production, distribution, or sale of alcohol or other drugs by any faculty, staff, or student is prohibited on college property or as any part of college activities.

This policy is created to comply with the Drug-Free School and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), which requires that the college show it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by faculty, staff, and students, and to set forth the standards to provide a community setting that is safe, healthy, and productive for all faculty, staff, and students of Mount Carmel College of Nursing.   The college distributes this policy annually throughout the college community and this includes information about referral and treatment, applicable laws and sanctions, and current assessments of possible health risks. 

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 President/Dean’s office. President’s Council 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.

Internal Sanctions

Any student, faculty, or staff member who violates the college’s drug-free policy shall be subject to disciplinary procedures. Mount Carmel College of Nursing will impose sanctions on students consistent with local, state, and federal law. Internal sanctions related to students 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. Faculty and staff are subject to internal sanctions according to the Mount Carmel Health System Human Resources Policy 820 Substance Abuse.

Students living in the resident apartments are also governed by the following additional policies and sanctions:

1. Returning to campus visibly intoxicated:  Parental notification (students under 21), placed on one-year probation for non-academic misconduct, four-page APA paper on binge drinking and report to President’s Office for disciplinary actions up to and including $200  fine and/or dismissal from the resident apartments*
2. Possession of alcohol on campus:  Parental notification (students under 21, placed on one-year probation for non-academic misconduct, four-page APA paper on binge drinking and report to President’s Office for disciplinary actions up to and including $200 fine and/or dismissal from the apartment residence*
3. Possession of tobacco on campus:  Placed on one-year probation for non-academic misconduct, $100 fine and dismissal from the apartment residence*
4. Possession of drugs on campus:  Parental notification (students under 21), $200 fine, placed on one-year non-academic probation and dismissal from apartment residence*

 *Students dismissed from the apartment residence must move out within 24 hours.

External Sanctions 

Unlawful possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs may lead to referral to the appropriate federal, state and/or local authorities for prosecution. Depending on the nature of the offense, it may be categorized as a misdemeanor or a felony and may be punished by fine and/or imprisonment.  

Federal law prohibits the trafficking and illegal possession of controlled substances (see 21 United States Code, Sections 811 and 844). Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking marijuana range from five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 to imprisonment for life and a fine of $4 million. Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking class I and II controlled substances (methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, PCP, LSD, fentanyl analogue) range from five years to life imprisonment and maximum fines range from $2-$4 million. First offense penalties for the illegal possession of a controlled substance range from up to one year in prison and a fine of at least $1,000, but not more than $250,000, or both.

The State of Ohio and the City of Columbus also may impose penalties for trafficking and illegal possession or use of controlled substances. State and local penalties for trafficking illicit drugs include fines that range from $1,000 to $50,000 and mandatory jail sentences that range from six months to 10 years. Illegal use or possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia may warrant fines ranging from $100 to $5000 and jail sentences ranging from 30 days to 10 years, depending on the amount and substance possessed. Violations may also lead to forfeiture of personal and real property and the denial of federal benefits such as grants, contracts, and student loans. 

The State of Ohio and City of Columbus may also impose a wide variety of penalties for alcohol-related offenses. For example, a first driving-while-intoxicated offense may be punished by mandatory imprisonment of at least three consecutive days and a fine ranging from $375 to $1000. Subsequent offenses lead to increased sanctions. Illegal purchase, possession, use, or sale of intoxicating liquor by a minor may be punished by fines ranging from $25 to $1000 and up to six months in jail, depending on the circumstances. For extended and regional campuses, local law will apply in lieu of City of Columbus ordinances. Copies of those laws will be supplied upon request.

Referral and Treatment

To ensure the most effective implementation of this program, the College supports the following concepts:

• Alcohol or other drug dependence is a disease that can be successfully treated.
• Specific steps will be taken for referral of persons at risk for alcohol and other drug problems to an appropriate resource for assessment and treatment: 

Mount Carmel Health System Employee Assistance Program - Carebridge Corporation (http://www.mccn.edu/students/counseling-services).
Community drug/alcohol treatment centers 

• Faculty, staff, and students are warned that treatment is not a refuge from disciplinary action and that dependency problems that do not respond to treatment may ultimately result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Parental Notification Guidelines for Alcohol and Controlled Substance Violations

These guidelines were developed in response to the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. These amendments created an exception to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), thus enabling universities to notify parents or legal guardians, under certain circumstances, of a student under 21’s use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. This change supports the practice of Mount Carmel College of Nursing to establish a collaborative partnership with parents and actively involve them, when appropriate, in addressing student behavior as it relates to alcohol and drugs.

Notification of parents is done when the college believes it will help the student. When practicable, conversations normally are held with the student before contact is made with parents, in an effort to determine whether such contact is the best course of action.

Generally, the college contacts parents in an effort to provide support for students’ physical health and safety, academic success, and personal development. Factors that are considered when deciding to contact parents may include, but are not limited to:

• a situation in which a student has received medical attention;
• the occurrence of an arrest and consequent criminal charges;
• a major disruption to the college’s educational mission;
• substantial harm caused to other students; or
• significant property damage.

Contacts are made, if possible, by a personal appointment with parents or by phone. Written communication is used only when other attempts to contact parents have failed. The goal is to develop a partnership between the college and the parents for the good of the student.  

Parent contacts are not to be viewed as a “disciplinary sanction” but rather as a positive engagement of the broadest possible resources to help a student succeed in his/her educational endeavor. Parents are encouraged to discuss the situation with their son or daughter.

Questions or concerns regarding these guidelines should be directed to the Office of the President/Dean of Mount Carmel College of Nursing, 127 S. Davis Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43222. 

Mount Carmel College of Nursing Policy Related to Drug Convictions

Any student, enrolled in the nursing program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, who is convicted for the possession or sale of drugs while a student is dismissed from the nursing program and from the College, with no chance for reinstatement.

Federal Financial Aid Policy Related to Drug Convictions

The Department of Education requires that the College notify all enrolling students of the policy related to federal student aid [Higher Education Act HEA section 485(k)]. A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for financial aid. Convictions count against a student if the conviction occurs while the student is enrolled in the college and receiving federal student A student who is denied federal benefits as part court sanctions imposed by federal or state judge for drug trafficking is also ineligible for federal financial aid. A conviction that was reversed, or removed from a student’s record or occurred while the student was a juvenile (unless tried as an adult) does not deny eligibility.

Period of Ineligibility for Federal Student Aid

 If the student is convicted of both possessing and selling illegal drugs, and the periods of ineligibility are different, the longer period of time applies. Eligibility returns the day after the period of ineligibility ends or with successful completion of a qualified drug rehabilitation program (described below) or two negative unannounced drug tests given by the program. Subsequent drug convictions lead to ineligibility again.

Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain it with successful completion of a rehabilitation program, passing two unannounced drug tests from such a program, or with reversal or removal of the conviction provided that fewer than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the record. The nature and dates of remaining convictions determines when a student regains eligibility.

Standards for a Qualified Drug Rehabilitation Program

The program must require a minimum of two unannounced drug tests and met one of the following requirements:

1. Be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly form a federal, state, or local government program.
2. Be qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly form a federal or state licensed insurance company.
3. Be administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court.
4. Be administered or recognized by a federal or state licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.

Current Assessments of Possible Health Risks Associated with Drug Use/Abuse

For a table of possible health risks associated with different types of drugs, click here .

Alcohol:  Zero-One-Three

Reduce your risk for experiencing alcohol-related impairment problems. Set guidelines for the use and non-use of alcohol and stick to them. Zero-One-Three can be a helpful tool in developing a clearer idea of what is “responsible drinking.”

The Zero-One-Three concept was developed by the Enjoy Michigan Safely Coalition and funded by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Zero, One, and Three are easy numbers to remember. They represent alcohol consumption norms that should be promoted. Each number stands for a component of the concept. 

Zero = Zero alcohol

It’s OK not to drink, especially if you’re under 21, driving, chemically dependent, or pregnant. Alcohol is a drug, and tens of millions of adults choose to live a drug-free, and, therefore, alcohol-free lifestyle. It is a choice made by approximately 30 percent of the adult population. Situations where zero is a wise choice: 

• People who are not of legal age 
• Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant 
• People who suffer from alcoholism or other chemical dependencies 
• People from homes where alcoholism or abusive consumption is present 
• People who do not like the physiological or psychological effects of alcohol 
• People who are trying to cut down on empty calories 
• People who prefer the taste of non-alcoholic beverages 
• Diabetics 
• People on certain medications

One = One drink per hour

One drink is defined as one 12-ounce can of beer OR one glass of wine OR one shot of liquor (a mixed drink). If a person is having more than one drink per hour he/she is out of bounds and is exceeding the recommended consumption pace. Because of the rate by which alcohol is metabolized in the body, more than one drink per hour will/can cause a person to test as legally under the influence of alcohol. By keeping the pace to one drink per hour, the body’s alcohol metabolism capacity will likely not be surpassed by alcohol intake. This will help keep blood alcohol concentration within safer limits.  

Remember, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is .08 for driving in Ohio. If under 21, it is a violation if the concentration of alcohol is .02 or greater.

Three = No more than three drinks per day, and never daily

Three represents the maximum number of drinks a person should ever have in a single day. It does not mean three at each of six pubs. Also, remember these three drinks are not to be consumed at a faster pace than one per hour. Some people will quickly point out the existence of individual differences (body weight, etc.) as they relate to these guidelines. It is important to note, however, individual differences exist for blood cholesterol levels, exercise prescriptions, and all other quantified health norms. The standard of Zero-One-Three is one that is acceptable for most people.

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. 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.

Description of Drug and Alcohol Counseling

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 may be made to the Mount Carmel Health System Employee Assistance Program (Carebridge) 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 Carebridge 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 appropriate Associate 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 procedure.

Frequency of Testing

All students will be tested for use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse prior to clinical experiences with patients. 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

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

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 verbal harassment and bullying are unacceptable behaviors that will not be tolerated or condoned by the College. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

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, 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 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 Verbal Harassment and Bullying Policy will be disciplined. Discipline will vary according to the severity of the violation, and could result in dismissal from the College.

Sexual and Interpersonal Offense

Mount Carmel College of Nursing 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.

Sexual harassment includes repeated and unwelcome sexual advances, repeated sexually-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.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s Sexual and Interpersonal Offense Policy addresses the College’s protocols for sexual assault, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. To access the policy, click here .

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.

Food in Classrooms

Students who bring food/beverages into classrooms are expected to clean up after themselves and deposit trash in appropriate receptacles. Courteous behavior such as this will enable students in subsequent classes to enjoy a clean environment. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep campus facilities clean and neat.