Physical Requirements
The nursing profession demands a high level of physical and
mental stamina, as well as the ability to perform essential
functions in a variety of clinical settings. To ensure the safety
and effectiveness of care provided to patients, all students
enrolled in our nursing program must meet certain physical
requirements. These requirements reflect the core competencies
necessary for safe and successful practice in the healthcare
environment.
Nursing students must be capable of performing tasks that involve
mobility, strength, coordination, and sensory perception. This
includes, but is not limited to, lifting and positioning
patients, performing physical assessments, operating medical
equipment, and responding promptly in emergency situations. In
addition, students must be able to communicate effectively,
demonstrate critical thinking, and adapt to fast-paced and
sometimes stressful environments.
Understanding and meeting these physical requirements is
essential not only for academic success, but also for the future
responsibilities and challenges of professional nursing practice.
Regarding immunizations: While the
University allows for medical and religious exemptions for some
vaccines, most of our clinical facilities require nursing
students to be fully vaccinated, including the Covid vaccination.
While we attempt to accommodate exemptions, lack of vaccination
may render the student unable to attend clinicals and thus will
delay or stop their program completion.
Mobility and Endurance
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move freely for extended
periods (e.g., 8-12 hour clinical shifts).
- Capability to move quickly in response to emergency
situations.
- Stamina to perform physically demanding tasks without fatigue
(e.g. CPR compressions).
Strength and Motor Skills
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Fine motor skills to perform tasks such as inserting IVs,
administering injections, or handling small instruments.
- Gross motor skills to assist with patient transfers,
repositioning, or operating equipment.
Sensory and Observation Skills
- Adequate visual acuity (corrected or uncorrected) to assess
patient conditions (e.g., skin color changes, vital signs on
monitors).
- Auditory ability to hear alarms, stethoscope sounds, and
patient calls for help.
- Tactile ability to detect temperature, pulses, and texture
changes.
