Technical Standards for Nursing Practice

COMPETENCIES 

EXAMPLES 

Observation: 

Observe demonstrations in the classroom and clinical setting and be able to effectively gather and assimilate information from them. 

Recognize visual, auditory, tactile, and other sensory cues to accurately assess a patient at a distant and at close range. This is required to gather necessary data about the patient such as posture, habitus, mood, activity, mobility, and non-verbal communications.  

Communication: 

Communicate effectively and sensitively in the English language with patients from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, and to develop effective professional rapport with members of the health care team.  

Communication includes not only speech, and nonverbal communications, but also reading, writing and electronic methods using the English language. This includes the ability to record assessment findings clearly, accurately, and efficiently. 

Motor: 

Possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control, and eye-to-hand coordination to utilize standard medical instruments.  

Possess sufficient control of the upper and lower extremities to meet the physical requirements for training as a health care worker and performing a safe assessment for both the provider and patient.  

Possess adequate sensory function to fulfill minimum competency objectives to elicit assessment information from patients such as auscultation.  

Effectively execute motor movements required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. 

Intellectual: 

Possess the mental capacity to learn and assimilate a large amount of complex, technical, and detailed information; solve clinical problems through critical thinking, perform measurements and synthesize and apply concepts and information from various disciplines to formulate a therapeutic plan.  

Must be able to accomplish these tasks quickly, efficiently, and in an appropriate manner to sustain life.   

Behavioral and Social Attributes: 

Possess the emotional and mental health required for full utilization of student’s intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients.  

Must tolerate physically taxing workloads and maintain composure and emotional stability during periods of high stress.  

Adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice.  

Compassion, integrity, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are essential to the role.  

Demonstrate the ability to accept feedback, and respond with appropriate behavior modification, and demonstrate personal and professional self-control as well as tactfulness, sensitivity, empathy, and respect.  

Ethical and Professional Standards 

Demonstrate professional demeanor and behavior, not only in the classroom but also in clinical settings.  

Perform in an ethical manner in all interactions with peers, faculty, staff, patients, and members of the health care team.  

Apply such ethical and professional standards in social settings where the individual is a representative of the institution, program, and profession.  

Provide competent, compassionate, and non-judgmental care to people who differ in terms of race, color, religion, disability, gender, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, or veteran status.