Technical Standards for School of Nursing Programs
The technical standards listed below are intended to inform students of the skills, abilities, and behavioral expectations required in this program. These technical standards reflect performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of this program at SUNY Delhi. These standards are not conditions of admission to the program, but persons interested in applying for admission to the program should review this list to develop a better understanding of the skills, abilities, and behavioral expectations necessary to successfully complete the program. The college complies with the requirements and spirit of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; therefore, the College will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for participants with disabilities who are otherwise qualified.
Graduates are expected to have a broad competence in the basic skills underlying the general practice of nursing. All graduates must be able to conduct an assessment and synthesize the findings into a plan of care, including intervention and evaluation. This must be accomplished independently without aid of an intermediary.
Nursing students must possess the capabilities to accomplish these requirements in a reliable manner and become competent and safe practitioners. Thus, our students must have the capability to undertake all our curricular requirements to the satisfaction of our supervising faculty.
Guidelines
Nursing education requires the acquisition of skills, professional attitudes, and behavior, as well as the accumulation of scientific knowledge. The complete process involves an intense professional education leading to an AAS or BS degree in nursing. In order to graduate the best possible nurses, school standards must be rigorous and exacting, and admissions must be extended only to those who are best qualified to meet the performance standards of the profession. Graduates must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical situations, and to render a wide spectrum of patient care.
Candidates must have abilities and skills in five areas: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) motor; 4) intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative; and 5) behavioral, emotional, and interpersonal abilities. Since the care of patients is an essential part of the educational program, schools must at all costs act to protect the health and safety of patients.
Observation
The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations in animals, microbiologic cultures, and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand; to communicate with accuracy, clarity, and efficiency with patients, their families, and other members of the healthcare team (including spoken and non-verbal communications such as interpretation of facial expressions, affect, and body language).
Examples of relevant activities:
- Draw up the correct quantity of medication in a syringe, or detect changes in skin color or condition.
- Detect sounds related to bodily functions using a stethoscope, or detect audible alarms generated by mechanical systems used to monitor patient physiological status.
Communication
A candidate should be able to communicate with and observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but, also, reading and writing. Communication also includes computer literacy to be able to document in electronic medical record used in healthcare agencies. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with all members of the healthcare team.
Examples of relevant activities:
- Abilities sufficient to give directions to or follow directions from other members of the healthcare team, and to participate in healthcare team discussions of patient care.
- Ability sufficient to elicit and record information about health history, current health state, or responses to treatment from patients or family members.
- Ability sufficient to convey information to patients and others as necessary to teach, direct, and counsel individuals.
Motor and Tactile Abilities
The candidate must be able to provide general care and emergency interventions to patients in all healthcare settings. Required functions include carrying out nursing procedures, performing basic laboratory tests, and providing routine and emergency care and treatment to patients according to the standard of care.
Examples of relevant activities:
- Obtain assessment information by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic maneuvers.
- Complete assigned periods of clinical practice.
- Carry out patient care procedures, such as tracheostomy care, or performing emergency airway suctioning.
- Carry out patient care procedures, such as the turning and lifting of patients.
- Detect unsafe temperature levels in heat-producing devices used in patient care or detect anatomical abnormalities, such as edema or small nodules.
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem-solving, a critical skill, requires all of these intellectual abilities. Candidates must have the ability to gather data, develop a plan of action, establish priorities and monitor treatment plans and modalities, and have the ability to comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships.
Examples of relevant activities:
- Calculate appropriate medication dosage given specific patient parameters.
- Analyze and synthesize data, and develop an appropriate plan of care.
- Collect data, prioritize needs, and anticipate reactions.
- Properly administer IM injections or assess wounds of varying depths.
Behavioral, Emotional, and Interpersonal Abilities
A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities; the exercise of good judgment; the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients; and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients. Candidates must possess the ability to relate to colleagues, staff, and patients with honesty, integrity, and non-discrimination; and demonstrate the capacity for the development of a mature, sensitive, and effective therapeutic relationship with patients.
A candidate must be able to tolerate taxing workloads, and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to: adapt to changing environments; display flexibility; learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients; modify behavior in response to constructive criticism; and have the capacity to demonstrate ethical behavior, including adherence to the professional nursing and student honor codes.
Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that shall be assessed during the admissions and education processes.
Examples of relevant activities:
- Remain calm in an emergency situation.
- Communicate effectively with patients and families of diverse religious, cultural or social backgrounds.
- Demonstrate the exercise of good judgment and prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients.
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