Academics

Nursing (RN) - Expected Qualities for Success

The following lists of abilities/qualities, with or without reasonable accommodation, are necessary for success in the Nursing Program. Reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment that enables an otherwise qualified individual with a disability to have the opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges that are available to a similarly situated individual without a disability. A reasonable accommodation is defined on a case-by-case basis and must take into consideration:

• specific abilities and functional limitations of the individual
• specific functional requirements of the nursing program

Reasonable accommodations are directed toward providing an equal educational and/or employment opportunity for the disabled individual while providing for the safety of the individual, patient, and agency staff.

Physical Functioning

• Tolerate sitting, standing, bending, reaching, stooping, and walking for long periods of time
• Lift, carry, push, pull, or support objects, extremities or persons: i.e., during ambulation, transferring from bed to chair, turning, moving and lifting patients in bed, supporting arms or legs
• During treatments or procedures and lifting children onto chairs, beds, scales or examining tables. (50 – 100 lbs. occasionally, 25 – 50 lbs. frequently and 10 – 25 lbs. constantly).
• Moving efficiently enough to meet the needs of several patients in a timely fashion.
• Demonstrate motor coordination and manual dexterity required to handle and operate equipment (i.e., wheelchairs, beds, IV pumps, blood pressure cuffs, computer keyboard, syringes), open packages and perform procedures.
• Accurately hear physiological and environmental sounds, i.e., lung sounds, heart rate, blood pressure, bowel sounds, infusion pump alarms, etc.
• Accurately distinguish colors, odors, body language and body alignment, i.e., skin color, drainage, nonverbal communication, and position of a person.
• Maintain optimal physical well-being.

Cognitive Skills

• Accurately calculate basic algebraic equations required to determine exact medication dosages, solutions, IV drop rates and IV flow rates.
• Collect and interpret data for purposes of planning and evaluation of patient care.
• Accurately and efficiently interpret and communicate information in English, both written and spoken. For example:
• responding to physician’s orders;
• reading and recording information;
• directing assistive staff.
• Organize, prioritize and plan work in a logical sequence.

Psycho/Social Skills

• Cope effectively while working in a stressful environment using patience, tact and flexibility.
• Communicate therapeutically and effectively with others.
• Respect persons of diverse cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate caring, empathy, accountability, honesty, and a neat, clean professional appearance.
• Maintain an alert level of consciousness and orientation to time, place and person at all times.
• Maintain optimal mental well-being