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Essential Performance Requirements

In order to accomplish the objectives of the nursing program safely, students must possess the ability and fitness to perform in a manner that will not jeopardize safety and well-being of their patients or themselves.

Examples of these essential performance requirements include but are not limited to:

• Visual acuity with or without corrective lenses to identify cyanosis or absence of respiratory movement in patients, perform equipment calibrations, read small print on medication containers, physician's orders and equipment monitors, perform physical asssessments and recognize when a patient is in imminent danger, etc. Many clinical agencies require all healthcare workers to possess normal visual color perception.
• Hearing ability with or without auditory aids to understand the normal speaking voice without viewing the speaker's face, hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, patient's calls for help, call bells from patients, stethoscope sounds originating from a patient's blood vessels, heart, lungs, and abdomen, etc.
• Physical ability to stand for prolonged periods of time, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, quickly move about and transport patients during emergencies, carry infants, maneuver quickly in confined spaces, etc. Other physical requirements include carrying equipment, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, bending, and climbing stairs. Must be able to lift, push and pull with assistance (mechanical or co-worker) the weight of the average patient specific to the clinical area working in.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form. Ability to speak clearly, coherently, and succinctly when explaining treatment procedures, describing patient conditions, implementing health teaching, etc. Ability to write legibly, logically, an correctly in patient's chart for legal documentation, etc.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills, including eye-hand-foot coordination, repetitive arm and hand movements and finger dexterity, using sterile techniques, inserting catheters, preparing and administering medication (oral, intramuscular, intravenous), and numerous other invasive procedures.
• Emotional stability and ability to accept responsibility and accountability.

The nursing department may require nursing students with special needs who pose a threat to the safety of others or to themselves in the health care environment to withdraw from the program. Each situation will be reviewed on an individual basis.