NRS 430 List three examples of plagiarism and discuss how plagiarizing as a student affects the integrity of a baccalaureate degree, the public perception of the nursing profession, and evidence-based practice Re: Topic 1 DQ 2
Ethical behaviors in academics can be translated into nursing practice by reinforcing a culture of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. I believe nursing students should be taught to conduct themselves morally and veer away from any form of academic misconduct that involves but not limited to plagiarism or cheating. The mere thought of being involved in ethical behaviors in academics can help develop critical thinking skills, which are necessary for honest decision-making in patient care. Maintaining academic integrity reflects positively on any professional and it will encourage dedication to honorable practices.
Consequently, a lack of academic integrity can reflect poorly on a nurse’s professionalism and credibility which in turn will affect the ability to provide quality patient care. A study by Smedley et al. (2018) found that nursing students who engage in academic misconduct are more likely to engage in unprofessional behaviors during their clinical placements. Another study by Newton et al. (2016) found that nursing students who cheat in their academic work are more likely to engage in unsafe medication practices during clinical placements.
A culture of academic integrity can also improve patient safety and trust in healthcare professionals. Nurses who have a strong moral compass develop better foundations and are better equipped to handle many types of dilemmas in patient care. As a result, it is essential to promote and uphold righteous behaviors in both academics and nursing practice to ensure high-quality patient care and professionalism.
References
Smedley, A., Crawford, T., & Cloete, L. (2018). Nursing students who engage in academic misconduct: What are the risks in practice? Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 8(3), 34-41.
Newton, P. M., McCabe, D., & Perry, C. (2016). Academic integrity in nursing education: Using a scenario-based approach to promote critical thinking. Nurse Education Today, 36, 118-122. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2015.09.014
