Practical Nursing Technical Standards

In compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, the following standards have been established. According to the nature of the work required in nursing practice and the educational requirements of the nursing curriculum, the student must be able to meet the following:

Standard
Examples
Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment
Identify cause-and-effect relationship in clinical situations develop nursing care plans
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds
Establish rapport with clients, families and colleagues
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
Collect and document assessment data. Explain treatment procedures. Initiate health teaching, document and interpret nursing actions and client and family responses.
Physical abilities sufficient to move from room and maneuver in small spaces
Moves around client rooms, workspaces and treatment areas; administers cardio-pulmonary procedures
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient care
Move, calibrate and use equipment and supplies, including sharp instruments; lift, transfer and position mobile and immobile clients
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs
Hears monitor alarm, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds and cries for help
Visual ability sufficient for physical assessment, performance nursing procedures and maintenance of environmental safety
Observes client responses, such as skin color and facial expression
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and performance of nursing procedures
Perform palpation, functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic interventions, such as inserting a catheter