Conduct in Clinical Settings

It is expected that every student in the College of Nursing will adhere not only to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Code of Student Conduct, but also to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses. The statement of the Code, included in the next section, provides guidance for conduct and relationships in carrying out nursing responsibilities consistent with the ethical obligations of the profession and quality in nursing care.  All students who are completing clinical courses will be evaluated for conduct using a course-specific Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET). Please see Appendix B for a sample CET format.

Clinical Practice 

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing maintains contractual agreements for student experience with a variety of agencies. Students must meet the expectations of both the college and the agency for appropriate professional conduct and attire. In the event that a cooperating clinical agency asks a student to withdraw because the student’s conduct or clinical performance is unacceptable to the agency, the University will attempt to arrange for the student to obtain the clinical experience at another agency where the objectives of the course can be met. However, the effort of the University to place the student in another agency will depend upon the circumstances under which the student was dismissed from the first agency. If a student cannot demonstrate ability to deliver safe care at the level required in a course, the instructor has a responsibility to remove the student, so that the safety and welfare of clients are not compromised. (For example, inadequate knowledge of care or medications needed by clients, inappropriate or disruptive behavior or communications with clients, faculty or agency staff.) The student will receive a grade of “F” in the clinical course. 

Attendance at all scheduled clinical practice experiences is mandatory. Absence for any reason must be explained and will be evaluated by the instructor, who will decide whether an alternative experience must be arranged. Should the university be officially closed, e.g. during a snowstorm, clinical practice may be cancelled. 

The clinical instructor will use feedback from a variety of sources in determining your clinical grade. These sources may include both written and verbal communication from all members of the healthcare team, including patients and family members. However, the final determination of your grade is the responsibility of the clinical instructor. 

Clinical experiences are based on students’ learning needs and course objectives. Clinical experiences are primarily based in clinical agencies outside the University.