Essential Functional Requirements for Nursing Students

You must be able to perform the following listing of essential functions. Physical, cognitive, psychomotor, affective and social abilities are required in unique combinations to provide safe and effective nursing care. In order to be admitted and to progress in the nursing program, one must be able to perform the essential functions required of a nurse. The applicant/student must be able to meet the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation’s throughout the program of learning. Admission, progression and graduation are contingent upon one’s ability to demonstrate the essential functions as identified by the school or additional essential functions as may be identified by clinical affiliates.

The following Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing (GGHSON) essential functional requirements and examples of requisite activities is not all-inclusive. These should be used to assist applicants/students in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary.

Essential Functions	Examples
Critical thinking abilities sufficient for clinical judgment.	Identify cause/effect relationships in clinical situations; develop nursing care plans.
Interpersonal skills sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.	Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues.
Verbal and written communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others.	Explain treatment procedures; initiate health coaching; document and interpret nursing actions and patient/client responses.
Physical abilities sufficient to safely care for patients.	Move around in patients’ rooms, workspaces, and treatment areas; administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and position patients.
Abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.	Ability to hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help.
Abilities sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in patient care.	Observe patient/client responses. Perform palpation, auscultation, percussion, and observation, related to physical examination.