OUR LADY OF LOURDES SCHOOL OF NURSING
ABILITIES CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL FOR NURSING PRACTICE |
| Nursing students, under direct faculty supervision, perform essentially the same physical and
emotional activities as professional registered nurses in the clinical setting. The following are abilities
considered essential for nursing practice based on requirements defined by the U.S. Department of Labor: |
1. COMMUNICATION: Reads, writes, and speaks the English language competently to elicit and/or
convey information, communicate changes in patient status, educate others, and interact with health team members.
Examples: Explains treatment, procedures, initiates teaching, documents and interprets nursing
actions and patient responses. Communicates information effectively with other departments. Reads and
evaluates written orders, care plans, and treatment requests. Follows written and verbal directions. |
2. SENSORY: Sufficient use of senses of vision, hearing, touch, and smell to observe, assess, and
evaluate effectively (near and at a distance) in the classroom, lab, and clinical settings.
Examples: Ability to observe patient for changes in condition (e.g. color changes in skin), see objects
up to 20 inches away (e.g. Computer screen), hear normal speaking level sounds (e.g. Person to
person report), hear auscultatory sounds using stethoscope, hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, and
cries for help. Effectively participate in group discussions and phone conversations. Perform
palpation functions of physical assessment and/or related to therapeutic intervention, e.g., inserting catheters.
Able to feel vibration and distinguish temperature changes. Possess fine motor skills with manual
dexterity e.g., write with pen, pick up objects with hands, manipulate a syringe, squeeze eyedropper with
fingers, and twist/turn dials, buttons and switches. |
3. MOBILITY: Clinical nursing requires walking and standing for extensive periods of time. Must have
physical abilities and physical flexibility sufficient to move from room to room, maneuver in small spaces, and
physical health and stamina sufficient to carry out nursing procedures.
Examples: Move freely around in patients' rooms, work spaces, treatment areas, and administer CPR.
Lift and carry medical equipment, supplies, medications, and charts. Average lifting requirement is
10-50 pounds. Varying weights are encountered when lifting and transferring patients. Stand and
maintain balance, move quickly in response to emergencies, climb stools and stairs, push and pull 25 pounds
when repositioning patients, reach above shoulders and reach below waist. |
4. TEMPERAMENT: Must possess critical thinking abilities and ability to adapt to changing stressful
conditions. Must interact with others in a caring and professional manner. Emotional stability is necessary to
handle emergency situations and to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships.
Examples: Establish rapport with patients/families and colleagues. Respond instantly in
emergency situations. Ability to solve conflicts, handle crises, be culturally sensitive, and convey
professional behaviors. Demonstrate good judgment, completion of responsibilities, able to adapt to
changing environments and function in the face of uncertainties. Able to accept constructive criticism and
respond by appropriate modification of behavior. |
| I have read this form and understand the contents. | |
| Applicant's Signature________________________ | Date:_______________ |
| RETURN WITH YOUR APPLICATION |
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