College of Professional Studies School of Nursing

Performance Standards

Nursing is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor elements as defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN 1993). The School of Nursing accepts these performance standards as essential to the practice of nursing.

Competencies	Standard	Sample Activities
Critical Thinking	Ability sufficient for judgment	Identify cause-effect relationships; accurately predict outcomes & interpret situational contexts.
Interpersonal Relations	Abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of backgrounds.	Establish rapport with clients & colleagues.
Communication	Abilities sufficient to write and speak English effectively and operate information technology systems.	Explain procedures, initiate health teaching; document and interpret nursing actions and client responses.
Mobility	Abilities sufficient to maneuver in confined spaces.	Administer CPR; move about in densely occupied spaces.
Motor Skills	Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.	Calibrate and use equipment; position patients.
Hearing	Auditory ability sufficient for observation and assessment	Detect motor alarms, emergency signals, cries for help.
Visual	Ability sufficient for observation and assessment.	Observe client responses.
Tactile	Ability sufficient for physical assessment.	Perform palpation; therapeutic interventions such as catheterization and medication administration.