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Essential Abilities and Technical Standards required for success in the nursing program.

Critical Thinking: must have the ability to use critical problem solving reasoning and judgement. Also the ability to calculate (for medication dosage etc.), analyze, measure, synthesize, and evaluate in a fast paced environment.

  • Reading: must have the ability to read at a competency to safely carry out the essential functions of an assignment. (examples: handwritten chart data. printed policy and procedure manuals)

  • Interpretation: must have the ability to effectively interpret and process information.

  • Communication: must have the ability to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing).

  • Perception: must have the ability to recognize, interpret, and appropriately respond to nonverbal behavior of others.

  • Technology:  must have the ability to access information and collect data, respond to communication as well as document effectively using a computer.

Must have the ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, touch, and smell in nursing care.

  • Seeing: (may be with correction) must be able to recognize and interpret facial expressions and body language, identify normal and abnormal patterns of movement, to read or set parameters on various equipment, to discriminate color changes, and to evaluate the environment.

  • Hearing: (may be with correction) must be able to recognize and respond to soft voices, auditory timers, equipment alarms, call bells, and to effectively use devices for measurement of blood pressure, breath sounds, etc.

  • Touching: must have the ability to palpate a pulse, and to detect changes or abnormalities of surface temperature, skin temperature, body contour, muscle tone, and joint movement.

    • Must have fine motor skills and coordination.

  • Smell: must have the ability to distinguish between healthy odors and those that may indicate medical problems.

Emotional Strength: need the ability to manage potential stressors that accompany tasks. This will include caring for people of all ages, races, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds. This may also include individuals with weight disorders, physical disfigurement, medical, and mental health problems.

Strength and Flexibility: must have the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 pounds.

  • Ability to assist patients with standing, kneeling, sitting, and walking.

Team and Independent work: must be able to work in a constructive way as part of a team, while also making decisions and completing tasks alone. 

Americans with Disabilities Act

If, based on a medically documented condition or diagnosis, you qualify for reasonable accommodations, please contact the Disability and Support Services office on campus or by emailing disability@grcc.edu

 or calling (616) 234-4140.

In depth information on the Essential Abilities and Technical Standards may me found by visiting Clinical Information.

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