Program Technical Standards

  • The following information is being provided as required by the Federal Government Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in response to the American with Disabilities Act.

    In order to successfully complete the Nursing Program, certain physical and behavioral capabilities are required in course work and as part of your clinical experience. All nursing students must be able to satisfy these standards with or without a reasonable accommodation. These include:

    Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal)

    1. Communicate effectively either independently or with corrective devices.
    2. Communicate in English through reading, orally and in writing to instructors, clinical agency staff, clients, families and all members of the health care team.
    3. Understand oral directions/requests from health care workers, clients, voice pages and telephone messages stated in a normal tone.

    Auditory Ability

    1. Hear all alarms on technical and supportive equipment set at a normal volume.
    2. Listen and respond to distress sounds from clients.
    3. Accurately detect audibly blood pressure readings with a stethoscope.
    4. Accurately detect audibly breath, heart, and bowel sounds.

    Visual Ability

    1. See and accurately read all written medical information pertaining to the client.
    2. See and accurately read all readings and functions of technical equipment pertaining to client care.
    3. See and accurately read all calibrated containers for accurate measurement of body fluids, specimens, medication administration devices (syringes, pumps, etc.).
    4. See and accurately perform an accurate client assessment.

    Physical Strength (Gross Motor Control)

    1. Ability to lift 25 pounds unassisted in a safe manner, thereby protecting yourself, the client, and those in close proximity to you.
    2. Bend and/or lift to assist client with activities of daily living and manipulate client equipment.
    3. Lift to safely transfer or position all clients in various situations.
    4. Move, push or pull equipment, beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, etc.
    5. Ability to raise arms over one’s head in order to assist clients and/or manipulate equipment.
    6. Kneel and stand independently.
    7. Walk/stand for extended periods and distances over an 7-hour period.

    Manual Dexterity (Fine Motor Movement)

    1. Accurately manipulate dials, gauges, buttons and switches to set, monitor and care for client care related equipment.
    2. Accurately administer sterile solutions without contaminating syringes, needles, solutions, etc.
    3. Accurately administer all types of medications (oral and parenteral).
    4. Safely and effectively perform dressing procedures without contaminating the wound or sterile supplies.
    5. Successfully don and remove protective apparel to maintain standard precautions.

    Behavioral/Mental Performance

    1. Function safely, effectively and calmly under stressful situations.
    2. Prioritize and manage tasks simultaneously.
    3. Exhibit social skills necessary to interact therapeutically with clients, families, all healthcare personnel and faculty.
    4. Maintain personal hygiene consistent with program dress code guidelines.
    5. Display ethical attitudes and actions consistent with professional behavior in healthcare and classroom settings.
    6. Display the social skills to behave with politeness, tact and sensitivity to others in all settings.
    7. Exhibit respect for cultural and ethnic differences of clients, peers and individuals in health care and classroom settings.
    8. Remain free from alcohol and/or chemical impairment in classroom and clinical settings at all times.

     

    Last Updated: 10/2022