Critical Thinking

Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment

Competent assessment of clients in a timely manner. Correct interpretation of assessment data, identification of necessary nursing interventions, design of appropriate nursing care plans, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and revising planned interventions.

Cognitive

Ongoing capacity to learn new information and skills to provide safe nursing care. This includes the ability to comprehend, measure, calculate, analyze and evaluate diverse forms of information.

Learn new skills and rationales for nursing care in a timely manner. Learn and adopt new methods of providing nursing care to reflect the dynamic nature of health care provision.

Interpersonal

Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.

Establish rapport and relate effectively with clients, their families, and colleagues. Work effectively with these individuals when they are stressed physically and/or emotionally. Provide care socially and culturally acceptable to clients

Communication

Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.

Follow verbal and written instructions. Clearly communicate with other health care providers by appropriately documenting the nursing interventions provided and the clients’ responses. Provide effective client teaching. Consult with a health care provider in a professional manner

Mobility

Physical abilities sufficient to move oneself from room to room, along hallways, and in small or confined spaces. The ability to meet the physical demands of providing nursing care.

Lifting, moving, carrying, pushing, pulling, and supporting clients, equipment and other objects independently. Standing, bending, walking, and sitting while working directly with clients and co-workers, and documenting care

Motor Skills

Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.

Perform vital signs, CPR, physical assessment, use equipment, hang IVs and tube feedings, draw up and give injections. Document nursing interventions and patient care in legible writing or accurate type.

Tactile

Tactile dexterity sufficient for physical assessment.

Perform palpation, functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, i.e. insertions of a catheter, giving injections

Visual

Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care.

Reading charts, flow sheets, monitors, thermometers. Assessment of patient skin, color, pupils, wound healing. Drawing up and administering medications.

Hearing

Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.

Auscultation of blood pressure, breath sounds, bowel sounds. Hearing alarms, call bells, cries for help by clients and families and co-workers. Understanding mechanically reproduced voices such as on audiotape

Personal Behaviors

Maintains personal behaviors consistent with the American Nurses’ Association Code for Nurses.

Demonstrates personal responsibility, accountability, integrity and honesty. Demonstrates respect for self and others through their verbal and nonverbal behaviors. Avoids behavior inconsistent with professional standards such as chemical dependency and abuse, harm toward self or others, or engaging in or supporting criminal behavior.