A professionalism and safety code of conduct designed for undergraduate nursing students

Abstract

Nationally, professionalism and safety are key concepts in nursing practice. Although they are traditionally viewed as individual concepts, we believe they are closely linked to and depend on one another. Herein, professionalism and safety are developed as a paired concept with specific indicators. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process used to develop and implement a professionalism and safety Code of Conduct for undergraduate nursing students and to share the end product of this process. Based on input from students, faculty, and health system partners in our academic-service partnership, the current definition and Code include six student behavioral domains: communication, self-awareness, self-care, professional image, responsible learning, and personal accountability. Our Code of Conduct is now a program policy and published in both the Student Handbook and clinical syllabi. Compliance is expected. Still under development are progressive clinical grading rubrics for inclusion in every clinical course.