Behavioral Standards
In addition to maintaining the School of Nursing academic standards, University of Minnesota School of Nursing students are expected to be thoughtful and professional when interacting with faculty, patients and their families, nurses, physicians, preceptors, affiliated institutional staff, other students, the public and other members of the health care team. This professional behavior is to be maintained in any and all situations where you are identified as a U of MN student, including situations off-campus, as well as in virtual sites, such as online social networking sites.*
Professional conduct and demeanor is required in cyberspace in the same manner it is required in all other settings. You must keep in mind that behavior that is illegal or in violation of U of MN policy on campus will be illegal or violate U of MN policy if it occurs and/or appears online. If you identify as a U of MN, SoN student in an online forum, the SoN will hold them to the highest standards of professional conduct. While it is not the policy of the School’s staff and faculty to routinely monitor students’ postings on web sites or other social media tools, if inappropriate postings are brought to their attention, the school’s faculty and academic administration will investigate the report.*
These behavioral expectations are described in the following standards and examples. Allegations received regarding the non-compliance with these behavioral standards will result in an investigation to provide appropriate due process for the student. Violations of this code may result in sanctions including, but not limited to, a written warning, required compliance, probation, a probationary contract for continued coursework, mandatory leave of absence, and/or dismissal from the School of Nursing. Note that examples are illustrative and not intended to encompass all specifically desired actions.
*Adapted with permission from the University of Memphis, Loewenberg School of Nursing Professional Conduct and Comportment Policy.
As a nursing student, you will:
Comply with the policies and procedures outlined for the current year in this handbook, the University of Minnesota Undergraduate Catalog, and the University of Minnesota Board of Regents Student Conduct Code.
Refrain from the intake of any chemical substance that would impair judgment or result in disruptive/disorderly behavior within the University community.
Example: Come to the classroom and/or practicum area free of alcohol or other judgment-altering substances.
Demonstrate integrity and honesty in all actions.
Example: Accurately and objectively record information in the patient's chart; preserve patient records; preserve educational materials.
Respect the patients’ right to confidentiality.
Example: Confine conversation about patients to designated places in the agency; share information about patients only with those immediately concerned with the patient's care, with instructor, or with peers in a practicum conference setting; within statutory and agency guidelines on confidentiality, provide appropriate others with information about the patient and feedback about own experience with patient.
Example: You may not discuss or provide information about patients, practicum sites, and experiences in the practicum setting via social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter)
Example: You may not take photos or make any recordings of patients, even at the patient’s request. You also cannot appear in any patient photos.
Example: You cannot post on Caring Bridge or other patient support websites.
Accurately represent yourself as a nursing student.
Example: Wear School of Nursing photo ID badge in the practicum area; accurately and respectfully identify self as a student in nursing in all areas of practice.
Note: You cannot represent yourself as U of MN nursing students except during officially sanctioned U of MN events and required practicum rotations (i.e., if you choose to volunteer or job shadow outside of their formally assigned practicum rotations you cannot wear U of MN scrubs, ID badges or otherwise identify yourself as being there in their role as U of MN nursing student).
Demonstrate respect toward patients and with peers, staff, faculty and others.
Example: Work cooperatively and collaboratively with others regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, political beliefs, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Refrain from any unlawful conduct or unethical behavior, within or outside the University of Minnesota community, which impairs your capacity to function as a healthcare professional.