Technical Standards
Technical standards (see below) are required abilities for effective performance in the Susan S. Morrison School of Nursing. The standards are compatible with the scope of practice for which nursing students will seek licensure as defined by the Minnesota State Board of Nursing; Nurse Practice Act: 148.171, Subd. 15. The examples show how a standard may be applied in entry-level nursing education programs. The examples listed are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be a complete list of all tasks required in an entry-level nursing program.
These technical standards are essential program requirements, and School of Nursing students must demonstrate that they can meet these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, throughout their time in the program. Reasonable accommodations to meet standards may be available for otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. Contact the office of Disability Resources as soon as possible for more information if you think you may need an accommodation for a disability.
Email: disabilityresources@stthomas.edu
Phone: (651) 962-6315
- Observe and assess a patient accurately, through visual, auditory and tactile abilities
- Ability to monitor and assess health needs
- Examples (not all inclusive):
- Interpret and respond to monitors, alarms, emergency signals and cries for help
- Interpret and differentiate heart, lung and bowel sounds
- Examples (not all inclusive):
- Observation and assessment necessary in nursing care, both at a distance and close at hand.
Examples (not all inclusive):
- Observe patient responses
- Observe small calibration markings and numbers (e.g., on syringes)
- Assess color change in skin and fluids
- Possess psychomotor skills necessary to provide holistic and safe nursing care and perform or assist with procedures, treatments, and medication administration
- Operate equipment typically found in the health care environment (IV pumps, cardiac monitor, and electric blood pressure equipment, safe patient handling equipment, etc.)
- Practice in a safe manner and appropriately provide care in emergencies and life support procedures and perform universal precautions against contamination
Examples (not all inclusive):
- Maintain sterile technique
- Transfer and position patients
- Position and re-position self around patients in their room or other workspaces
- Perform assessment and therapeutic procedures such as inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and other diagnostic maneuvers and procedures
- Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and families
- Communicate effectively with faculty, preceptors, and all members of the healthcare team during practicum and other learning experiences
- Accurately elicit information including a medical history and other information to adequately and effectively evaluate a client or patient’s condition
Examples (not all inclusive):
- Concisely and accurately explains treatments and procedures as well as other health education
- Documents clearly and concisely, within legal guidelines
- Use and apply information acquired from various sources, including written documents and computer systems (e.g., lectures, demonstrations, written documents, literature searches and data retrieval)
- Identify and interpret information presented in images from paper, slides, videos, and screens that are presented in various formats
- Recognize and assess client changes in mood, activity, cognition, verbal, and non-verbal communication
- Use and interpret information from assessment techniques/maneuvers
- Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data related to patient diagnosis and treatment of patients
- Exercise proper judgment and complete nursing responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner.
Synthesize information, problem solve, and think critically to judge the most appropriate theory or assessment strategy - Ask for help when needed and make proper judgments of when a nursing task can or cannot be carried out alone
- Exhibit a level of consciousness and attentiveness that guarantees patient safety
- Expeditiously incorporate data from multiple patient sources (e.g., physical assessment, vital signs, lab values, interdisciplinary documentation) in providing appropriate, safe patient care
Examples (not all inclusive):
- Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations
- Recognize and respond rapidly and safely to changes in patient status based on a variety of sources such as physical assessment and pertinent laboratory findings
- Revise care to promote appropriate patient outcomes
- Access electronic health records using health agency-approved device
- Safely monitor and respond to alarms, emergency signals, cries for help, heart, lung, and bowel sounds
- Assess respiratory and cardiac function, blood pressure, blood sugar, neurological status, etc.
- Behave professionally and maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors and other professionals under all circumstances
- Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients in need
- Able to function under stress and adapt to classroom and practice setting environments
- Must be able to meet University of St. Thomas School of Nursing attendance requirements, including timeliness
Examples (not all inclusive):
- Arrives on time, prepared to fully participate
- Manages work to meet deadlines
- Student must be able and willing to examine their behavior when it interferes with productive individual or team relationships
- Concern for others, integrity, accountability, interest, and motivation are necessary personal qualities
- Demonstrate intent and desire to follow the ANA Standards of Care and Nursing Code of Ethics
Examples (not all inclusive):
- Is honest in all communications with others
- Has a positive attitude to ensure teamwork
- Maintains confidentiality