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. Describe two things you will do to ensure academic integrity in your work . Grand Canyon University. (Ed.). (2018). Dynamics in nursing: Art and science of professional practice. Retrieved on Month, day, year from
Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that involves presenting someone else’s ideas, words, or work as one’s own without proper attribution. In the context of a baccalaureate degree in nursing, plagiarism can have significant implications regarding the integrity of the degree, the public perception of the nursing profession, and evidence-based practice. This essay will explore three examples of plagiarism and analyze its impact on these aspects. Additionally, two strategies for ensuring academic integrity in nursing work will be discussed.
One example of plagiarism is directly copying and pasting information from a source without proper citation. This can occur when a student uses information verbatim from a website, article, or book without acknowledging the original author. By presenting this information as their own, the student fails to give credit to the original source and misrepresents their level of knowledge and understanding. In the context of a baccalaureate degree, this type of plagiarism undermines the integrity of the degree as it suggests that the student has not engaged with the material or developed critical thinking skills.
Another example of plagiarism is paraphrasing without proper citation. In this case, a student may rephrase someone else’s ideas or work in their own words but fail to attribute the original source. While the student may not directly copy the text, they still present the information as if it is their own, which is a violation of academic honesty. This form of plagiarism also compromises the integrity of a baccalaureate degree as it demonstrates a lack of original thought and the ability to critically analyze and synthesize information.
A third example of plagiarism in nursing is submitting someone else’s work as one’s own, such as using a paper or assignment written by another student. This type of plagiarism can occur when students collaborate on an assignment but fail to acknowledge their contributions properly. By submitting someone else’s work, the student devalues their own learning experience and undermines the credibility of the degree. It also raises concerns about the quality and competency of the nursing profession if individuals are not producing their own work.
The impact of plagiarism on the integrity of a baccalaureate degree in nursing is significant. Nursing is a profession that requires continuous learning and critical thinking skills to provide safe and effective care. By plagiarizing, students devalue the educational process and compromise the standards of knowledge and skill development expected of a nursing graduate. This can have serious consequences in terms of patient safety and quality of care as nurses who have not truly engaged with the material may make uninformed decisions that can harm patients.
Furthermore, plagiarizing as a student also affects the public perception of the nursing profession. Nurses are entrusted with the health and well-being of individuals and communities. They are expected to have a strong foundation of knowledge and to act ethically and professionally. If nursing students engage in plagiarism, it raises questions about their integrity and ability to uphold these professional standards. This can erode public trust in the nursing profession as a whole, potentially affecting patients’ willingness to seek care and the credibility of nurses in interdisciplinary healthcare settings.
Additionally, plagiarism undermines evidence-based practice in nursing. Evidence-based practice involves using the best available evidence, combined with clinical expertise and patient preferences, to inform nursing decisions and interventions. Plagiarism disrupts this process by providing false or misrepresented information, which can lead to incorrect or ineffective clinical decision-making. It also hinders the development of critical appraisal skills that are essential for evaluating and implementing evidence in practice. By plagiarizing, nursing students hinder their ability to contribute to the advancement of evidence-based practice and may perpetuate outdated or flawed information.
To ensure academic integrity in my work, I will employ two strategies. Firstly, I will diligently cite all sources used in my assignments, adhering to the appropriate formatting style required by my institution. This includes both in-text citations and a comprehensive reference list. Proper citation acknowledges the contributions of others and allows readers to access the original sources. Secondly, I will strive to develop my critical thinking skills by engaging with the material, analyzing information, and synthesizing my own thoughts and ideas. This ensures that my work is original and reflects my understanding and interpretation of the subject matter. By actively avoiding plagiarism and upholding academic integrity, I can contribute to the credibility of the nursing profession and the advancement of evidence-based practice.
Reference:
Grand Canyon University. (Ed.). (2018). Dynamics in nursing: Art and science of professional practice. Retrieved on Month, day, year from [URL]