Nursing education requires that the accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of skills and professional attitudes and behaviors.
Specific essential abilities or technical standards have been identified by the College of Nursing in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the 2008 Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment (ADAAA). All courses in the curriculum must be completed successfully and competently to build on the candidate or student’s previous knowledge gained in a bachelor’s program. Candidates for the MN degree must have abilities and skills in five areas:
- Observation
- Communication
- Cognitive/Integrative
- Motor
- Behavioral/Social
Technological accommodations can be made for some disabilities in certain areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner and exercise independent judgment. These technical standards pertain to all student conduct regardless of setting (e.g. classroom/didactic, off-campus clinical practice experiences, email communication, etc.). Individuals interested in applying for admission to WSU College of Nursing MN program are encouraged to consider their possible need for reasonable accommodations as they review these Technical Standards to become familiar with the skills, abilities, attitudes, and behavioral characteristics required to complete the program. Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. Further information can be found at the end of this document.
I. Observation
General: Applicants and current students must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in didactic courses and learning opportunities. For direct and indirect practice experiences, the candidate/student must be able to observe care activities and processes for individuals and organizations. If a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information is compromised, it will be the responsibility of the student to utilize alternative means to collect and convey essential information.
Example: Use and accurately interpret information obtained during observation in clinical and non-lecture opportunities.
II. Communication
General: Applicants and current students must possess interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact appropriately and effectively with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds. They must be able to demonstrate written and spoken proficiency in the English language and communicate appropriately, effectively, and efficiently in oral and written form, as appropriate to the MN nursing program when interacting with individuals or groups of people in educational, clinical, and non-lecture settings.
Example: Accurately elicit information necessary to evaluate an individual’s or system’s health status and to formulate and communicate a care plan and/or intervention adequately and effectively to faculty, peers, or interprofessional colleagues.
III. Cognitive/Integrative
General: Applicants and current students should have the intellectual abilities to meet curricular requirements in a timely fashion. These abilities may include but are not limited to: measurement, calculation, reasoning and retention, integration, analysis and synthesis of data and information. The ability to acquire information, with or without accommodation, from a variety of sources including verbal communications, written documents, films, slides, videos, and other electronic media also is required.
Example: Evaluation of recent legislation relevant to nursing with analysis of nursing implications, stakeholder perspectives, and provision of pertinent recommendations based on analysis.
IV. Motor
General: Applicants and current students should have sufficient motor function such that they are able to reasonably execute movements (with or without accommodations) that are required to perform their teaching, learning, and practice experience responsibilities, including the ability to produce written assignments/reports as appropriate to the MN nursing program.
Examples: Use and manage computer software or applications correctly and appropriately for coursework. Possess psychomotor and sensory skills necessary to conduct a physical assessment and develop a Patient Care Plan.
V. Behavioral/Social
General: Applicants and current students must possess the emotional stability and ability to manage the demands associated with the pursuit of professional activities, including the full use of intellectual ability and good judgment to independently, accurately, and effectively complete all responsibilities and meet all deadlines. Applicants and students must be able to develop mature, sensitive, non-judgmental, non-prejudiced, and effective relationships with faculty, peers, and other professionals in the academic and community setting. It is critical for applicants and students to possess a willingness to accept and respond to constructive criticism given in any situation.
Examples:
- Demonstrate self-care and personal hygiene routines
- Demonstrate self-regulation in the context of receiving feedback or constructive criticism regarding growth opportunities
- Communicate professionally with peers, faculty, interprofessional team, and the community
. - Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability within dynamic clinical, professional, and academic contexts
- Manage time effectively to honor and complete professional responsibilities within established time constraints
- Possess and demonstrate emotional stability to function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments within classroom and practice settings
- Demonstrate personal and professional integrity that aligns with professional ethics and codes of conduct
Candidates and current students who have questions regarding the technical standards or who believe they may need to request reasonable accommodation(s) in order to meet the standards are encouraged to contact Access Services in the Student Success Center as part of the Division of Student Affairs for WSU Health Sciences prior to applying to the College of Nursing.
Instructions on how students can apply for accommodations may be found here:
