REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT IN THE NURSING PROGRAM
1. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ABILITIES FOR NURSING STUDENTS
These standards are abilities and behaviors that a nursing student must be able to perform in order to function in a safe manner. It is essential that students possess and maintain the following functional requirements, with or without reasonable accommodations.
DISABILITIES SERVICES
In accordance with law and Cayuga Community College policy, no qualified individual with a disability shall, on the basis of that disability, be excluded from participation in the program. Cayuga Community College will provide reasonable accommodations to a qualified individual with a disability. It is the responsibility of the applicant or student to request the accommodations that are needed to perform the behaviors listed below. Contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and the Director of Nursing if you think you may need an accommodation for a disability.
| Criteria | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cognitive abilities sufficient for clinical judgment |
Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations. Develop nursing care plans that accurately reflect patient concerns. Make decisions reflecting classroom learning in the clinical sites. Perform mathematical calculations accurately for medication preparation Maintain concentration and focus in professional care settings |
| Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, groups. |
Establish rapport with patients and health care team members. Respond in a professional and therapeutic manner to a variety of patient expressions and behaviors. |
| Communicate effectively in English with others in oral and written form in order to plan and deliver safe care. |
Use oral and written communication skills sufficiently for teaching and for interaction with others. Read, understand, write and speak English. Document patient responses accurately and honestly. |
| Ambulation abilities sufficient to maintain a center of gravity when met with an opposing force as in lifting, supporting, and/or transferring a patient. |
Function effectively for 8–10 hours. Propel wheelchairs and stretchers. Lift 35 pounds. Move and lift patients in and out of bed, wheelchair and stretcher. Assist with transfer and ambulation of patients. |
| Motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care. |
Reach, manipulate and operate equipment, instruments and supplies e.g. syringes, sterile equipment, monitors. Perform electronic documentation. Lift, carry, push, pull and position patients. Perform CPR. |
| Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. |
Hear alarms, emergency signals, cries for help, ringing telephone. Use stethoscope to hear B/P, heart, breath, and bowel sounds. |
| Visual ability sufficient for observation, assessment, and performance of safe nursing care. |
Observe patient responses; evaluate for a safe environment. Discriminate color changes. Accurately read measurements on equipment. Read small font (6 font) words and characters Read medication label and syringe accurately. |
| Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment of size, shape, temperature and texture. |
Perform palpation e.g. pulse. Perform functions of physical examination. Discriminate subtle differences between sharp/dull and hot/cold |
| Emotional health required for full use of intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt and safe completion of responsibilities. |
Adapt to changes and display flexibility Demonstrate professional abilities of trust-worthiness, empathy, integrity Learn to function in the environment of uncertainties and stressful situations. |
2. LEGAL LIMITATIONS FOR RN LICENSURE
There is a requirement that the applicant for the licensure exam be of “good moral character.” Applicants should be aware that eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse in New York State by persons who have been convicted of a crime (felony or misdemeanor) or have charges pending in any state or country will be determined through an investigation by the New York State Education Office of Professional Discipline. On the Application for Licensure, the applicant is required to truthfully answer the following questions:
- Have you ever been found guilty after trial, or pleaded guilty, no contest, or nolo contendere to a crime (felony or misdemeanor) in any court?
- Are criminal charges pending against you in any court?
- Has any licensing or disciplinary authority refused to issue you a license, or ever revoked, annulled, canceled, accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a professional license or certificate held by you now or previously, or ever fined, censured, reprimanded or otherwise disciplined you?
- Are charges pending against you in any jurisdiction for any sort of professional misconduct?
- Has any hospital or licensed facility restricted or terminated your professional training, employment, or privileges, or have you ever voluntarily or involuntarily resigned or withdrawn from such association to avoid imposition of such measures?
3. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
After being accepted into the Nursing program, the student must show evidence of the following prior to the first day of class:
- Completed physical exam and updated annually. The health record must show no physical condition which would limit safe performance of technical standards (specified above)
- Completed Mantoux test and immunization records
- Compliance with New York State health requirements
4. CPR REQUIREMENT
The student must hold CPR certification throughout the program. American Heart Association certification (BLS for Adults, Infant and Child) is valid for two years. Red Cross certification (Professional Rescuer Course) is valid for one year. Online certification or re-certification is not accepted. Note: “Heart Saver” and “Community CPR” do not meet the CPR requirement.