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Behavior in Practice Settings

Definitions of Safe, Satisfactory or Acceptable Performance

The student will demonstrate patterns of professional behavior which follow the legal and ethical codes of nursing; promote the actual or potential well being of clients, health care worker, and self; demonstrate accountability in preparation, documentation, and continuity of care; and show respect for the human rights of individuals. Students who are not meeting the academic requirements of the theoretical component of the course may not be considered safe and may automatically be excluded from clinical experience.


Indicators To Be Used As Guidelines For Evaluating Practice Are:

  • Regulatory: The student practices within the boundaries of The College of New Jersey, Nursing, the guidelines and objectives of Nursing, and follows the rules and regulations of the health care agency. Examples of unsafe, unsatisfactory or unacceptable performance include but are not limited to the following:
    • failure to notify the agency and/or clinical instructor of clinical absence as outlined in the course descriptions.
    • presenting for clinical practicum under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
    • failure to make up clinical absences if deemed necessary by the clinical instructor.
    • habitual unexcused tardiness to clinical assignments.
  • Ethical: The student practices according to the American Nurses’ Association Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and the Nurse Practice Act governing practice in the state where the clinical learning experience occurs. Examples of unsafe, unsatisfactory or unacceptable performance include but are not limited to the following:
    • refuses assignment based on client’s race, life style, culture,religious preferences, diagnosis, or condition of client.
    • inappropriate behavior in any assigned activity related to clinical practice such as:
      • not reporting known errors in practice;
      • falsifying documents, signatures, or assignments
    • ignoring unethical behavior(s) of other health care persons which affects client welfare.
  • The promotion of well being of clients, other health care workers and self: The student’s practice strives to meet the needs of the human system considering the biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural perspectives. Examples of unsafe, unsatisfactory, or unacceptable performance include but are not limited to the following:
    • failure to recognize and seek treatment for mental, physical, or emotional behavior(s) which may affect the well-being of others.
    • failure to follow through on suggested referrals or interventions to correct deficit areas which may result in harm to others.
    • omission of appropriate care, such as, but not limited to, medication errors.
    • abuse of clients, such as, but not limited to: physical, mental or emotional abuse, failing to recognize or correct or contributing to hazardous conditions or circumstances.
    • interpersonal relationships with agency staff, co-workers, peers, or faculty resulting in miscommunications, disruptions of clients care and/or functioning.
  • Accountability: The student’s practice demonstrates the expected level of responsibility in the preparation, implementation, documentation and promotion of continuity in the care of clients. Examples of improper accountability include but are not limited to the following:
    • failure to provide concise, inclusive, written and verbal communication.
    • failure to accurately record comprehensive client behaviors.
    • failure to report to instructor questionable nursing practice(s) which affect client welfare.
    • attempting activities without adequate orientation or theoretical preparation or appropriate assistance.
    • dishonesty.
  • Human Rights: The student’s conduct shows respect for the individual client. Examples of unsafe or unacceptable performance include but are not limited to the following:
    • failure to maintain confidentiality of interactions.
    • failure to maintain confidentiality of records.
    • dishonesty in relationships.
    • utilization of stereotypical judgments which are detrimental to patient care.
    • failure to recognize and promote every patient’s rights.

Violations of these guidelines will result in the student’s permanent dismissal from the program.

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TCNJ's Department of Nursing is not accepting transfers into our four year traditional bachelor’s of science in nursing program at this time. We are accepting applications for the ABSN program for May 2025.Learn More
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