NR 351 Week 2 Discussion: Maintaining Academic Integrity (Graded)
Integrity is a core value set into practice by being truthful, honest, and authentic, starting with academics. (Rani et al., 2019) stated “Research on academic integrity has identified that the essential knowledge not gained in the classroom can negatively reflect in patient care” (p. 51). Even though documents are provided to students explaining academic integrity and the consequences of an academic integrity infarction, they still struggle with this and fall into the trap of falsifying their work, whether intentional or unintentional.
According to (Rani et al., 2019), the most common causes of dishonesty that students falsify their work are lack of time management skills, worry of failure, lack of interest, fear of being punished, and simply having too much on their plate. It is evident that students understand the meaning of academic integrity but seem to have personal challenges and or lack in knowledge of resources to help them achieve this characteristic needed in school, their workplace, and their personal lives. Chamberlain College of Nusing (2021) stated, “Plagiarism is a violation of academic integrity in which someone else’s words or ideas are used without crediting their work. Plagiarism is a serious academic violation even if it is unintentional.” Plagiarism is one of the most violated academic dishonestly students make. You can easily copy-paste from anywhere on the internet, making it easy and, unfortunately, seem harmless for the student to do. Students must understand academic dishonesty, and when writing papers or discussion posts, they give credit where it is due.
I feel the most challenging APA formatting is within the text itself. Knowing how often to use in-text citation has been a challenge. I find this area challenging because it can seem as if I am citing too much in fear of plagiarism. Learning more about in-text citation without unintentionally plagiarizing is something I look forward to getting a grasp on. I will be using the APA manual for this challenge I face. The resources I plan to use to succeed with APA assignments are Chamberlain-approved sources, the APA manual, Purdue Owl, and my instructor for further questions that I may have beyond these resources.
References
Rani, P., Ravindran, V., Esther, A., Susila, I., Charles, M. S., Rose, A., & Chacko, S. (2019). Nursing students’ perception and practices related to academic integrity. International Journal of Nursing Education, 11(3), 51. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-9357.2019.00063.1Links to an external site.
Chamberlain College of Nursing (2021). NR351 Academic Integrity: Week 2 lesson. Chicago, IL: Online Publication.
I believed that students commit academic integrity infractions for so many reasons, such as procrastination, or lack of understanding of the material being taught, not communicating with the instructor, being in the habit of taking short cuts or not having integrity. It can also possibly be because sometimes students are overwhelmed with the materials that needs to be turned in. According to Azulay (2014) “Due to increased comfort with technology, students in online learning environments may engage in academically dishonest behavior by copying-and-pasting from online sources.” Students find that it’s easier to cut and paste rather than type the material in their own words; furthermore, there are many predatory websites readily available to students which make it easier and very tempting for students to use. I also think that those students who commit integrity infractions don’t know the meaning of “Academic integrity” According to Chamberlain College of Nursing (2021) “Academic integrity means that we are being honest and submitting our own work. Integrity involves choosing to follow ethical principles and acting with honesty even when you are rushed for time or tempted to take shortcuts. Coming from a place of integrity means being authentic—the same you, whether people are watching or not” not only do you want to have academic integrity but one should also strive for professional integrity. According to Chamberlain (2021) the nursing profession is one of the most trusted because our patients depend on us to be their advocates; in addition to, being responsible, accountable and truthful with them. As nurses we need to maintain our integrity by being honest and gaining respect from our patients and the people around us.
I have found that the most challenging part of using APA format for me is not knowing how to properly cite and reference material because this is the first class in which I have had to use APA format. I will overcome these challenges by utilizing the APA Manual and taking advantage of the resources that Chamberlain University offers such as the APA Academic Writer page.
References
Azulay Chertok, I.R, Barnes, E. R., & Gilleland, D. (2014). Academic integrity in the online learning environment for the health sciences students. Nurse Education Today, 34(10), 1324-1329. https://doi-org.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2013.06.002
Chamberlain College of Nursing (2021). NR351 Transitions in Professional Nursing: Week 2 lesson. Chicago, IL: Online Publication.
Masters 2020 describes an ethical dilemma as a situation where a respective person is drawn to choosing between separate actions that will alter the prosperity of an individual. We as nurses are brought into situations often that can challenge us to uphold our ethical values. An example of this can be ensuring someone that we are caring for completely understands testing or procedures that they are undergoing prior to the start of said procedure. This can mean education, or requesting a physician speak to the patient and family again. Another example might be to reporting behavior that might endanger the lives of a patient that we are caring for.
Nurses are upheld to certain standards of integrity and ethics. These standards can easily translate to the standards of integrity and ethics that is expected of us as students. Students who choose to make the decision to take shortcuts in their education are only cheating themselves. I feel like students who take shortcuts can do this in many ways, from plagiarism, to truly stealing one’s entire work. What those students do not realize (or maybe they just do not care) is that they are running the risk of failing, or even possibly getting expelled from their university. I think that some of these individuals care more about social media or having fun with friends than putting in the effort to accomplish something on their own. That is what is what it is when you finish each assignment, and each class. It is an accomplishment, something to be proud of. When we are done with this curriculum, we will all feel like we accomplished something great, not only because we will have a degree, but that we did it while working and raising families, and amid familial commitments. This is something that we can all be proud of. This is something that I am feeling especially proud of this week, as I have only had 2 hours of sleep in the last 2 and a half days. Chamberlain (2021) states “Having a higher level of integrity is one of the most important characteristics we can possess, not only in the work setting, but also in our personal lives.” Chamberlain (2021) also states that integrity “is a core value in nursing, a choice, and something we can nurture.” I as a wife, mother, and nurse strive to achieve this every day.
I feel as though writing in APA format will be a challenge to me. I feel as though the in-text citations will get easier with time, as well as setting up title and reference pages. I feel as though the references will be the most challenging. Cunningham (2005) states that “many authors find it difficult to keep track of the all the details specified in the manual.” I have used APA in the past but have not kept up with the writing style or the changes to the manual. I am sure that it will be a battle for me, but I am hopeful that it will get easier once I am back in a routine. I will have to practice often and double and triple check my work. I will use the APA manual and the tips and tricks document that we were given. I know that we all have access to library and tutoring services if needed as well.
References
Chamberlain (2021). Week 2 Lesson: Integrity Matters.
Cunningham, K., LI, P. (2005). The APA Style Converter: A Web Based Interface For Converting Articles
To APA Style For Publication. Behavior Research Methods 2005 37(2). 219-223.
Masters, K. (2020). Chamberlain Custom Role Development In Professional Nursing 5th Edition. Jones &