Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2021-2022 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
enhance nursing practice and patient safety , foster professional integrity , and ultimately improve the health outcomes of patients , families , and communities across the continuum of care . In addition , certain functional abilities are essential for the delivery of safe , effective , quality nursing care during clinical education activities .
Therefore , the faculty has determined that certain technical standards are requisite for admission , progression , and graduation from the nursing programs . In addition to classroom learning , clinical learning occurs throughout the program and involves considerations ( such as patient safety and clinical facilities ) that are not present for classroom accommodation . For this reason , any applicant or individual who seeks accommodations prior to or immediately after enrolling in the nursing programs must also request an assessment of the types of reasonable accommodations needed for the clinical education component of the program .
Technical Standards / Competencies The individual must be able to independently , with or without reasonable accommodation , meet the following technical standards of general abilities and those specifically of ( 1 ) observation ; ( 2 ) communication ; ( 3 ) motor ; ( 4 ) cognitive , conceptual , and quantitative abilities ; ( 5 ) essential behavioral and social attributes ; and ( 6 ) ability to manage stressful situations . Individuals unable to meet these technical standards , with or without reasonable accommodation , will not be able to complete the program and are counseled to pursue alternate careers .
General abilities : The individual is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision , touch , hearing , and smell so that data received by the senses may be integrated , analyzed , and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner . The individual must also possess the ability to perceive pain , pressure , temperature , position , vibration , and movement that are important to the student ’ s ability to gather significant information needed to effectively evaluate patients . The individual must be able to respond promptly to urgent situations that may occur during clinical education activities and must not hinder the ability of other members of the health care team to provide prompt treatment and care to patients .
Observation Ability : The individual must have sufficient capacity to make accurate visual observations and interpret them in the context of laboratory studies , medication administration , and patient care activities . In addition , an individual must be able to document these observations and maintain accurate records .
Communication Ability : The individual must communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally to elicit information and to translate that information to others . Each individual must have the ability to read , write , comprehend , and communicate effectively in the English language to facilitate communication with patients , their family members , and other professionals in the health care settings . In addition , the individual must be able to maintain accurate patient records , present information in a professional , logical manner and provide patient counseling and instruction to effectively care for patients and their families . The individual must possess verbal and written communication skills that permit effective communication with instructors and students in both the classroom and clinical settings .
Motor Ability : The individual must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to perform complete physical examinations utilizing the techniques of inspection , palpation , percussion , auscultation , and other diagnostic maneuvers . The individual must develop the psychomotor skills reasonably needed to perform or assist with procedures , treatments , administration of medication , management and operation of diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment , and such maneuvers to assist with patient care activities such as lifting , wheelchair guidance , and mobility . The
162