Code of Professional Behavior for Students
The MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP) School of Nursing abides by the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and expects students also to abide by the Student Nurses Association Code of Ethics.
The School of Nursing (SON) community is a microcosm of the professional arena. In addition to the requirements for conduct articulated in the HIPAA privacy rules, and the IHP Catalog: Safety and Security section, this SON Code of Professional Behavior (hereafter known as the “Code”) is aimed at assuring an environment that is conducive to optimal student learning and professional development, thereby protecting patient, student, faculty, and staff safety.
The Code assures that graduates of the IHP uphold the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. Toward that goal, the SON must evaluate students’ professional conduct in the same way it does scholarship and clinical proficiency. Evaluation is focused on the student’s obligations toward the IHP community across learning and professional environments. This includes maintaining professional communications; where students are expected to review and reply to emails at least once each business day.
Professional environments include, but are not limited to, the classroom (in person and online), the laboratories, and inpatient, outpatient, and community clinical sites. The clinical environment also includes volunteer efforts where students are representing the IHP.
It is the goal of Mass General Brigham (MGB) and its affiliate, the IHP, to provide physical and psychological safety, resulting in a comfortable, productive, professional, and educational environment and free from disrespectful, harassing, and offensive behavior, both in person and electronic venues ,. This means that all students must treat all members of the IHP and MGB communities dignity and respect, and adhere strictly to all requirements directed at protecting patient health information, safety, and confidentiality. Furthermore, students are expected to adhere to professional boundaries.