The following skills are needed by applicants to the nursing major/program. Applicants and enrolled students should possess these abilities, or with the help of compensatory techniques and/or assistive devices, be able to demonstrate the ability to become proficient.
1. Observational skills, for example: observing physical appearance, listening to heart and breath sounds, detecting odors, using tactile sense for palpation.
2. Communication skills, for example: ability to interact with others to obtain information, describe situations, perceive nonverbal cues, interpret messages, convey caring and compassion.
3. Motor skills, for example: perform technical procedures while delivering patient care such as helping with ambulation, positioning, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and oral medications, apply pressure to stop bleeding, open an obstructed airway, provide hygienic care.
4. Behavioral/Intellectual skills, for example: ability to problem solve, tolerate stress, adapt to quickly changing environments, work as a team member, have compassion for others.