Cheating is the use of unauthorized information to meet academic requirements. Despite nurses being expected to observe high moral and ethical standards, evidence from prior studies indicates that about 80% of nursing students engage in cheating activities to influence their academic performance (Devine & Chin, 2018). The most common types of cheating in nursing include copying tests and homework, referring to materials during tests, and collaborations without permission (Devine & Chin, 2018). During my early years in nursing school, I witnessed a case where students discussed an assignment without the professor’s consent.
Investigations on the causes of academic dishonesty acts are critical to achieving academic integrity in nursing education. According to Devine and Chin (2018), some of the strategies that can help curb academic dishonesty include regular conversations about honesty and integrity, establishing anti-cheating pledges, and administering the same assessment in different versions. Additionally, learning should incorporate various assessment styles and discouraging statements that instill fear in students, such as “if you don’t pass this test, you will repeat the whole year.” The high prevalence of dishonesty has many consequences in the nursing profession (Devine & Chin, 2018). Eradicating academic cheating should be the prime focus of all nursing institutions.
Self-Reflection on Integrity
Fortunately, I have never been involved in cheating, and I get troubled whenever I witness such an activity. Society believes that nurses have high moral integrity levels; thus, they get entrusted with people’s lives. Therefore, cheating violates the trust bestowed on nurses by the public (Devine & Chin, 2018). Learning institutions should take stringent actions against students engaging in such prohibited acts to curb the phenomenon, which is on the rise in learning institutions. I am willing to interfere with upholding academic integrity by reporting mischievous actions in my class. First, the parties involved should be warned, and if the behaviour persists, the professor needs to be secretly notified to collect evidence. The professor should then present the case to the school administration for action. The involved student requires a chance for self-defence, and necessary action is taken depending on the available evidence.
References
Devine, C. A., & Chin, E. D. (2018). Integrity in nursing students: A concept analysis. Nurse Education Today, 60, 133-138. Web.