Susan S. Morrison School of Nursing

• 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
• 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