Exploring Factors That Contribute to Nursing Students' Willingness to Report Peer Academic Integrity Violations
Shannon Morris Stevenson1, Kathryn Flannigan, Amanda Willey
1About the Authors Shannon Morris Stevenson, EdD, MSN, RNC-OB, RNC-MNN, CNE, is an assistant professor, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.Kathryn Flannigan EdD, MSN, RN, is an assistant professor, Arkansas State University School of Nursing, Jonesboro, Arkansas. Amanda Willey, EdD, MSN, RN, CCHP, is an assistant professor, Salisbury University School of Nursing, Salisbury, Maryland. Tresa Kaur, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, CHSE, CTN-A, is the Diane Foley Parrett Endowed Assistant Professor, M. Louise Fitzpatrick School of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania. A version of this article was published through ProQuest as a collaborative dissertation chapter by the first three listed authors as part of the requirements for their Doctorate of Education degree at Teachers College, Columbia University. For more information, contact Dr. Stevenson at shannon.stevenson@emory.edu .
Nursing students are more willing to report academic integrity violations when they understand policies and feel faculty support. Education and clear guidelines enhance reporting behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Academic Integrity
- Nursing Education
- Student Behavior
Background:
- Peer reporting is crucial for maintaining academic integrity when students observe dishonest actions.
- Understanding factors influencing students' willingness to report is essential for fostering an honest academic environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nursing students' perceptions of violation severity, faculty support, and program improvement strategies.
- To determine the relationship between these perceptions and students' willingness to report peer academic integrity violations.
Main Methods:
- A modified version of McCabe's Academic Integrity Survey was administered.
- The survey included 442 baccalaureate nursing students.
Main Results:
- Increased understanding of violations correlated positively with willingness to report (rs = .485).
- Perceived faculty support for policies was linked to a greater willingness to report (rs = .298).
- Belief in program-wide strategies to prevent violations also increased willingness to report (rs = .231).
Conclusions:
- Educational initiatives defining academic integrity can improve nursing students' willingness to report peer misconduct.
- Faculty support for policies and the implementation of program-wide preventative strategies are key factors in encouraging reporting.
Related Concept Videos
Obedience
Accountability and Responsibility of a Nurse II
For example, a nurse demonstrating respect and compassion might listen attentively to a patient's concerns, provide...
Nurses' Legal Responsibilities II
Communication between nurses and...
Accountability and Responsibility of a Nurse I
Ethical Standards II
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy...
Ethical Standards I
The Code of Ethics provisions outline the nurse's duty to the patient, the healthcare team, the profession, and society. The Code's fundamental principles include advocacy,...


