Students and faculty of The Campbell University School of Pharmacy adopted the following code of conduct to guide ethical behavior in hospitals, community pharmacies, and various rotation sites included as clinical Practice Experiences. We feel that the magnitude of our responsibility as health care professionals necessitates the establishment of the highest standards of professional conduct.
This code of conduct represents general standards of behavior and illustrates ideals for which to strive; however, specific infractions reported by students, preceptors or faculty to the Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee may be investigated by this Committee with respect to both the magnitude and the frequency of incidents considered. It should also be understood that these general standards might not afford guidance in every possible infraction.
The Student Affairs Committee will be charged with the responsibility for promptly investigating alleged in fractions of this code. All cases will require the submission of a report of findings and appropriate recommendations to the Dean’s Office in a timely manner.
Students should read, discuss and sign the School of Pharmacy Honor Code (found in the Academic Bulletin) prior to enrollment in the School of Pharmacy.
The students and faculty of the School of Pharmacy created this code
of conduct. Modification of this code will require majority approval
of both the faculty and student body.
The pharmacy student will:
Respect and Concern for the Welfare of Patients
- Treat patients and their families with respect and dignity both in their presence and in discussion with others.
- Recognize when one’s ability to function effectively is compromised & get relief or help.
- Recognize the limits of student involvement in the medical care of a patient and seek supervision or advice before acting when necessary.
- Not use alcohol or other drugs in a manner that could compromise him/herself or patient care.
Respect for the Rights of Others
The pharmacy student will:
- Deal with professional, staff and peer members of the health care team in a considerate manner and with a spirit of cooperation.
- Act with an egalitarian spirit towards all persons encountered in a professional capacity regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual preference or socioeconomic status.
- Respect the patient’s modesty and privacy.
Trustworthiness
The pharmacy student will:
- Be truthful in communication to others.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
- Admit errors and not knowingly mislead others or promote one’s self at the expense of the patient.
- Not misrepresent him or herself as a pharmacist, physician, physician assistant, or other health professional.
- Accurately acknowledge the source of all information reported. Failure to comply shall be considered plagiarism as defined in the CUSP Honor Code.
Responsibility and Sense of Duty
The pharmacy student will:
Participate responsibly in the care of the patient to the best of his or her ability and with appropriate supervision.
Undertake clinical duties and preserve until they are complete.
Notify the responsible person if something interferes with his or her ability to perform clinical or academic tasks effectively.
Professional Demeanor
The pharmacy student will:
- Maintain a neat and clean appearance, and dress in attire that is accepted as professional to the patient population served.
- Be thoughtful and professional when interacting with the health care team, patients, and families.
- Strive to maintain composure during times of fatigue, professional stress, or personal problems.
- Avoid offensive language, gestures, or inappropriate remarks.
- In addition to the standards we have adopted for the conduct of ourselves, we expect to be treated with respect as participants in the delivery of health care.
Preceptor Conduct
A pharmacy student:
If a preceptor feels a student lacks adequate knowledge or skills, they have the responsibility to inform and instruct that student so he can improve his or her performance.
- Should be challenged to learn, but should not be belittled, humiliated or abused in front of patients, peers or other health professionals.
- Should not be sexually harassed, either verbally or physically.
- Should not be discriminated against on basis of gender, race, religion or sexual preference.
- Should be a participant in patient care decisions whenever possible.
- Should have his or her pharmacy education take priority over routine, menial tasks.
If a student feels that a preceptor has committed infractions against
the above standards, they have the responsibility to inform that preceptor,
whether by direct contact or by way of an honest preceptor evaluation at
the end of rotation, of such feelings so that he or she can improve his
or her performance.
NOTE: The above standards of conduct are based on the code of conduct
for Duke University Medical Students and have been adapted to meet the
individual needs of the Campbell University School of Pharmacy.