6.1 - Professional Performance and Behavior

College of Allied Health students in an academic and clinical environment are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner.  They should respect the dignity of each individual with whom they are associated.  The following considerations are intended to supplement, not replace, any code of professional performance and behavior that might exist in the College of Allied Health program in which the student is enrolled.

• Students assigned to clinical rotations will comply with the regulations regarding personal appearance and dress established by the clinical faculty/organization with which they are associated and by the College of Allied Health department in which they are enrolled.
• Students who are not on specific rotations but whose daily activities may require them to be in a clinical environment for portions of the day should be familiar with the regulations regarding personal appearance and dress and should use discretion and judgment in complying with these regulations to the best of their ability.
• Attire for students not in a clinical environment shall be appropriate for a student aspiring to their particular profession, yet should also allow for performance of the activities associated with coursework and related educational experiences.  

Anticipation of all situations arising in the academic or clinical setting and in the interaction of students with the professional and/or patient community is impossible.  However, the basic guidelines outlined below in conjunction with specific guidelines established by the departments in the College of Allied Health should provide direction to students in how to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Self-discipline is required in student relationships with patients, peers, supervisors, and other members of the professional community.  Personal preference and interests must be secondary to patient care.  Failure to observe professional standards of practice is unacceptable and may result in academic sanctions and/or disciplinary action.  Additionally, the student may be subject to legal actions by the patient and/or clinical site.

• Student actions, comments, and personal appearance must be tailored to project an image of confidence, cooperation, and trust.
• Students should maintain a pleasant, courteous, and respectful attitude toward others in both the academic and clinical settings.
• Students must preserve the confidentiality of patients’/clients’ medical and personal history at all times.
•  Students should reflect at all times a concern for the rights and welfare of patients/clients and their families.
• Students should consider the behavior of the patient/client, even if overly belligerent or otherwise disagreeable, in the context of the patient’s illness and handle the situation accordingly. 
• Students should be respectful of and responsive to faculty and staff and should observe the defined line of authority with respect to clinical assignments and activities.
• Students are expected to abide by established procedures of their particular discipline regarding performance, patient treatment, and departmental duties in the clinical environment.
• Students should avoid the use of inappropriate language in academic and clinical settings.
• Students must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when in the academic or clinical environment.
• Students should avoid the use of tobacco products.
• Students should not discuss personal matters with or around patients.
• Students must avoid personal biases in all circumstances.
• Students should avoid interruption of patient care to question or dispute orders in the clinical setting. Students may request clarification of any written or verbal order, but only at an appropriate time.  If the student strongly disagrees with orders given by clinical personnel, the course of action should follow one of the following depending on standard rules and procedures of the discipline.
  • Perform their immediate duties, including the ordered treatment, and then consult their clinical coordinator in order to resolve the misunderstanding or disagreement, or
  • Request to be excused from doing the treatment and report immediately to their clinical coordinator to resolve the issue.

Please also see Regents’ Professionalism policy in the OUHSC Faculty Handbook.

Generally, the imposition of discipline shall be limited to conduct that adversely affects the College community’s pursuit of its educational objectives, violates or shows disregard for the rights of individuals within the College community, or damages property.  College officials charged with enforcement of these regulations shall have the authority in execution of such enforcement duties, to perform such acts as are required to maintain the security, well-being, safety, or tranquility of the College community, its members, and its guests.  The following conduct is subject to disciplinary action:

• Intentional disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings or other College or University activities.
• Verbal or physical abuse of any person on University premises or at College or University-sponsored or College or University-supervised functions.
• Failure to display professional behavior on University premises or at College or University-sponsored or College or University-supervised functions.
• Failure to comply with lawful directions of University officials acting in performance of their duties.
• Mis-use of University property to include but not be limited to university technology (computers, DE equipment), fire alarms, fire equipment, and elevators.
• Destruction, unauthorized removal, theft, defacement of property, or possession of stolen property owned by the University, including trees and shrubbery, or property leased to or controlled by the University, such as art work or decorations, whether or not it occurs in conjunction with a prank or college rivalry here or on another campus.
• Littering on University property.
• Possession or use of firearms, fireworks, explosives, or incendiary devices of any description including air rifles and pistols, on the University campus.
• Hazing or physical or mental harassment, in any form on or off the campus.
• Unauthorized participation in, agitation for, or instigation of an activity that interferes with ingress or egress from University facilities; interrupts any activity of the University or College, including classes; damages property, or breaches the peace of the University community in its normal functioning.
• The use, possession, sale, or distribution of controlled or illegal substances.
• Defacement by writing, drawing, or marking of any kind upon any permanent interior or exterior wall or sign, or similar vertical surface, in any medium, including chalk, felt-marker, etc., or any writing, drawing, or marking of any kind in any permanent medium, such as paint, upon any sidewalk, mall, patio, terrace, or street, except as authorized.
• Disturbance of the public peace.
• Other conduct considered Academic Misconduct.