Essential Qualifications of Nursing Students

Students planning on entering nursing, at the Nursing Assistant, Practical Nursing or Registered Nursing levels, need to be aware of the following expectations.  These are the expectations upon which clinical performance is based for all levels of nursing.  Therefore, all students will be expected to meet these same criteria during both campus lab sessions and clinical experience rotations.  The inability to meet these expectations could result in failure of the course in which the student is enrolled.

1. BODY MECHANICS:  The ability to lift or carry a minimum of twenty-five(25) pounds independently and fifty (50) pounds with assistance.  Intermittent standing, sitting, stooping and walking is necessary.  Nurses may be expected to stand on carpeting or linoleum (usually over concrete), be seated at a standard desk at the nurse's station or use an office chair for varying amounts of time.

2. VISION AND HEARING:  Vision and hearing should be within the normal range.  Corrective devices may be utilized.

3. MOBILITY:  Full range of motion of all joints is expected.  Normal manual and finger dexterity are expected.

4. SENSE OF SMELL:  The ability to differentiate odors in the clinical setting.

5. COMMUNICATION SKILLS:  The ability to read and write in English.  Should be able to communicate verbally in English both in person and on the telephone.

6. ADAPTABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY:  The ability to demonstrate these characteristics while working in fast paced environments.

7. OCCUPATION EXPOSURES:  Awareness that the following exposure may occur.

BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS:  Tasks and procedures performed involve risk classified by the Centers for Disease Control at:

• Category I:  Direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids to which universal precautions apply.

• Category II:  Activity performed without blood exposure, but exposure may occur in an emergency.

• Category III:  Task/activity does not entail predictable or unpredictable exposure to blood.

TUBERCULOSIS:  Tasks and activities may involve direct predictable or unpredictable exposure to tuberculosis. 

Application to WA State Nursing Commission Licensing Information

The graduate will be required to answer Yes or No to certain questions on the application to WSNCQAC  forms. (PO 1099 Olympia WA 98507-1099).  It is important for students to be aware of these questions before starting the program.  If you anticipate problems answering any of these questions, contact the commission at the address above. Questions will be posted soon. Please check back at a later time.