Essential Functions of Doctoral Nursing Students

The essential functions are basic cognitive, psychomotor, and affective activities that are essential to the successful completion of the United States University program.

CATEGORIES	ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
A student must be able to:
Motor/Physical Strength	Possess the physical strength and mobility to safely carry out nursing procedures and provide routine and emergency care and treatment to patients of all ages in all assigned health care settings.
Perceptual/Sensory	Use their senses to make accurate clinical assessments and judgements. Accurately calculate medication/solution dosages and any needed information specific to patient care.
Behavioral/Interpersonal (relationships)/Emotional Stability	Develop mature, sensitive, and effective therapeutic relationships with individuals, families, and groups of various social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. Adhere to United States University policies, procedures, and requirements as described in the university academic catalog, student handbook, and course syllabi. Demonstrate ethical behavior, including adherence to professional and student university honor codes.
Communication	Communicate effectively and accurately in English using speech, reading, writing, language skills, and computer literacy. The use of appropriate nonverbal communication is also essential.
Problem Solving/Critical Thinking	Collect, analyze, prioritize, integrate, and generalize information and knowledge to make sound clinical judgments and decisions to promote positive patient outcomes.
Punctuality/Work Habits	Adhere to the classroom and clinical schedules. Complete classroom and clinical assignments and submit assignments in a timely manner.
General Health	Work in an environment that puts one at risk for infection. Meet all health and safety requirements to perform patient care in assigned clinical facilities.

Adapted from Yocum, C. J. (1996). A validation study: Functional abilities essential for nursing practice. National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.: Chicago, IL.