Essential Functions Required of Nursing Students

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS REQUIRED OF NURSING STUDENTS

Motor Capability:

Move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces.
Transfer patients who may require physical assistance.
Guard and assist patients with ambulation.
Lift and carry up to 50 pounds and exert up to 100 pounds of force for push/pull.
Squat, bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, kneel, use standing balance, and climb stairs.
Use hands repetitively; use manual dexterity.
Adjust, apply, and clean therapeutic equipment.
Perform CPR
Travel to and from academic and clinical sites.

Sensory Capability:

Coordinate verbal and manual instruction.
Assess a patient 10 feet away to observe patient’s behavior and response to treatment.
Respond to a timer, alarm, or cries for help.
Monitor vital signs.
Auditory, visual, olfactory, and tactile ability must be sufficient to assess patient status and perform treatments (example: color changes in skin, hear heart and lung sounds, and smell malodorous drainage).

Communication Ability:

Communicate effectively in English with patients, families, and other health care providers, both verbally and in writing (example: explain treatment procedures, teach patient and families, document in charts).
Effectively adapt communication for intended audience.
Interact, establish rapport with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
Assume the role of a health care team member.
Function effectively under supervision.

Problem solving Ability:

Function effectively under stress.
Respond appropriately to emergencies.
Adhere to infection control procedures.
Demonstrate problem solving skills in patient care (measure, calculate, reason,prioritize, synthesize data.
Use sound judgment and safety precautions.
Address problems or questions to the appropriate person at the appropriate time.
Organize and prioritize tasks.
Follow policies and procedures required by clinical and academic settings.

Adapted with permission from Sierra College 4/04