Essential Functions of 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.
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CATEGORIES
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
A student must be able to:
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Motor/Physical Strength
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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.
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Perceptual/Sensory
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Use their senses to make accurate clinical practicum assessments and judgments.
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Math
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Accurately calculate medication/solution dosages and any needed information specific to
patient care.
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Behavioral/Interpersonal (relationships)/Emotional Stability
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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.
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Communication
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Communicate effectively and accurately in English using speech, reading, writing, language skills, and computer literacy.
Use of appropriate nonverbal communication is also essential.
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Problem Solving/Critical
Thinking
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Collect, analyze, prioritize, integrate, and generalize information and knowledge to make
sound clinical practicum judgments and decisions to promote positive patient outcomes.
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Punctuality/Work Habits
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Adhere to classroom and clinical practicum schedules.
Complete classroom and clinical practicum assignments and submit assignments in a timely manner.
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General Health
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Work in an environment that puts one at risk for infection.
Meet all health and safety requirements to perform patient care in assigned clinical practicum facilities.
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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.