Critical Thinking
Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.

Identify cause and effect relationships in clinical situations; develop nursing care plans; calculate medication dosage accurately; evaluate patient responses; promote patient safety.

Interpersonal/Communication Skills
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. Communication abilities sufficient for effective interactions with others in verbal and written form.

Establish rapport with patients and colleagues; use therapeutic communication; function as part of a team. Explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, document and interpret nursing actions and patient responses.

Motor Skills
Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces; full ROM; manual and finger dexterity; and hand eye coordination sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.

Move around in patient’s rooms, workspaces and treatment areas. Administer CPR procedures. Stand/walk for extensive periods of time. Use equipment, transfer patients, and lift 50 pounds.

Sensory Skills

Hearing Ability
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.

Hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, ausculatory sounds, and cries for help.

Visual Ability
Visual ability (can be corrected to 20/40) sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing.

Observe patient responses, secretions, and color. Read manometer, charts, computer screen, digital printouts, labels, gauges and syringes.

Tactile Ability
Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and interventions when necessary in nursing.

Perform functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g. insertion of a catheter or IV, etc.

Olfactory Ability
Olfactory senses (smell) sufficient for maintaining environmental and patient safety.

Distinguish smells which are contributory to assessing and/or maintaining the patient’s health status or environmental safety.

Professional Attitude and Demeanor
Ability to present professional appearance and implement measures to maintain own physical and mental health and emotional stability.