Technical Standards
CNE Program participants must be able to independently, with our without reasonable accommodation, meet the following technical standards for enrollment in and successful progression through the refresher course program. These requirements pertain to participant conduct regardless of the setting (ie didactic, clinical, email communication, etc).
General Abilities
Functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing, taste and smell is expected of every participant so that this sensory information may be integrated, analyzed and synthesized accurately and consistently. A participant must also possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration and movement which are essential to gather information needed to effectively evaluate and care for patients. Each participant must be able to promptly respond to urgent situations that may occur during clinical learning experiences and must not obstruct the ability of other members of the health care team to provide prompt treatment and care to patients.
Observational Ability
Sufficient capacity to make accurate visual observations and interpret them in the context of laboratory studies, medication administration and patient care activities must be present. The participant must consistently be able to document these observations and maintain accurate records.
Communication Ability
The participant must effectively communicate verbally and non-verbally to gather information and to translate that information to diverse others. The abilities each student must possess include: reading, writing, comprehending and speaking the English language to facilitate communication with patients, their family members and other health care professionals. Additional essential abilities are: to maintain accurate patient records, to present information professionally and logically; and to provide counseling and teaching to effectively care for patients and their families. Verbal and written communication skills that permit effective communication during both the didactic and clinical portions of the course are expected.
Motor Ability
Each participant is required to possess the motor movements needed 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. A participant 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, wheel chair guidance and mobility. The participant must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination as well as possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving and physical exertion required for satisfactory and safe performance in the clinical setting including performance of CPR, if necessary. The participant must possess the ability of mental dexterity that would be required for certain activities, such as drawing up solutions in a syringe.
Conceptual and Quantitative Intellectual Abilities
Developing and refining problem-solving skills are critical developmental learning abilities for participants to return to nursing practice. The abilities to measure, calculate, analyze, reason and synthesize objective and subjective data, and to make informed decisions, frequently in a time-sensitive environment are essential for nursing refresher course participants. These intellectual abilities must reflect careful and consistent deliberation and sound clinical judgment. Mastery of these skills is expected. The ability to integrate and sensitively respond to new information from peers, faculty and the evidence based literature must be present in order to make sound judgments in all aspects of patient care.
Social and Behavior Attributes
Participants must possess effective interpersonal skills, including the qualities of integrity, compassion, motivation and a genuine concern for others. Participants must be comfortable in the role of a student nurse and accept that the role functions under supervision of a preceptor. Full utilization of the personal intellectual abilities and skills are essential, including sound judgment; timely completion of clinical responsibilities; and the ability to work with patients and members of the healthcare team effectively and with maturity. Stable, sound judgment must be demonstrated at all times to conduct assessment, intervention and evaluation activities. An ability to sensitively establish rapport and carry out interpersonal relationships with individuals, families and groups from diverse social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds is essential. The participant must learn to function cooperatively and efficiently in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice and be able to flexibly adapt to changing environments. A willingness to accept and respond to constructive criticism given in the didactic and clinical settings is critical.
Management of Stressful Situations
Adapting and functioning effectively in the face of stressful situations, including emergencies or situations in the clinical are necessary. Nursing education inherently includes encounters with multiple stressors, which may include multiple personal, patient care/family, faculty/peer and/or program related factors.