Appendix B: Professional Role Expectations and Standards of Conduct
The KYSU Student Handbook defines appropriate attire for students enrolled in the University. Students enrolled in an educational program which will prepare them to enter the profession of nursing, there are professional expectations to which they will be expected to follow at all times. Nursing students are expected to:
- Adhere to the University's Dress Code.
- Dress appropriately for courses on campus as well as when going into your assigned clinical area, or to off-campus meetings, workshops or conferences (well-groomed hair, shoes, no pajamas, no exposed midriffs or cleavage, neatly shaven, no exposed underwear of any kind, appropriate fitting uniforms and clothing).
Student nurses' uniform should not be worn for activities not directly related to the clinical nursing experience such as to grocery stores, shopping centers or restaurants. Uniform infractions will be given for violations observed by any faculty member within the SON.
- Use accurate terminology related to nursing and health care.
- Behave in a professional manner in all circumstances regarding your nursing responsibilities including politeness, modulated tone of voice, appropriate eye contact, seeking clarification when information is unclear, and freely seeking assistance.
- Seek role models and mentors to help you shape your nursing career and be a role model for others who are in the process of nursing career exploration and preparation.
- Treat confidential information appropriately. See section of SON Student Handbook regarding HIPAA Violations.
- Consistently uphold high moral values and adhere to all appropriate ethical rules, applying them diligently in both your decision-making processes relating to client care and in guiding your own personal behavior to ensure professionalism and integrity.
- Participate in nursing organizations (i.e., Kentucky Nurses Association, National Black Nurses Association, etc.) that can benefit students as well as the nursing profession. Specific benefits to individuals include opportunities for scholarships, conferences and conventions, networking with students from other nursing programs, obtaining discounts on nursing publications and related items and developing an appreciation for the importance of nursing organizations to the nursing profession.
- Be self-directed in the pursuit of learning, and honest in appraising capabilities and limitations as a nursing student. Students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in academic achievements and in the orderly development of clinical competence.
The general and specific standards of conduct set forth exist to provide basic guidelines of generally acceptable behavior for students enrolled in the School of Nursing. Failure to meet any of the general or specific standards of