Essential Functions

The Alabama Community College System endorses the Americans’ with Disabilities Act. In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Physical, cognitive, psychomotor, affective and social abilities are required in unique combinations to provide safe and effective nursing care. The applicant/student must be able to meet the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations throughout the program of learning. Admission, progression and graduation are contingent upon one’s ability to demonstrate the essential functions delineated for the nursing programs with or without reasonable accommodations. The nursing programs and/or its affiliated clinical agencies may identify additional essential functions. The nursing programs reserve the right to amend the essential functions as deemed necessary.

In order to be admitted and to progress in the nursing program one must possess a functional level of ability to perform the duties required of a nurse. Admission or progression may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

The essential functions delineated are those deemed necessary by the Alabama Community College System nursing programs. No representation regarding industrial standards is implied. Similarly, any reasonable accommodations made will be determined and applied to the respective nursing program and may vary from reasonable accommodations made by healthcare employers.

The essential functions delineated below are necessary for nursing program admission, progression and graduation and for the provision of safe and effective nursing care. The essential functions include but are not limited to the ability to:

Sensory Perception

• Visual
  • Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment
  • Visualize different color spectrums and color changes
  • Read fine print in varying levels of light
  • Read for prolonged periods of time
  • Read cursive writing
  • Read at varying distances
  • Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment
• Auditory
  • Interpret monitoring devices
  • Distinguish muffled sounds heard through a stethoscope
  • Hear and discriminate high and low frequency sounds produced by the body and the environment
  • Effectively hear to communicate with others
• Tactile
  • Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperature, shapes, size, location and other physical characteristics
• Olfactory
  • Detect body odors and odors in the environment

Communication/ Interpersonal Relationships

• Verbally and in writing, engage in a two-way communication and interact effectively with others, from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds
• Work effectively in groups
• Work effectively independently
• Discern and interpret nonverbal communication
• Express one’s ideas and feelings clearly
• Communicate with others accurately in a timely manner
• Obtain communications from a computer

Cognitive/Critical Thinking

• Effectively read, write and comprehend the English language
• Consistently and dependably engage in the process of critical thinking in order to formulate and implement safe and ethical nursing decisions in a variety of health care settings
• Demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations including mathematical computations without a calculator
• Satisfactorily achieve the program objectives

Motor Function

• Handle small delicate equipment/objects without extraneous movement, contamination or destruction
• Move, position, turn, transfer, assist with lifting or lift and carry clients without injury to clients, self or others
• Maintain balance from any position
• Stand on both legs
• Coordinate hand/eye movements
• Push/pull heavy objects without injury to client, self or others
• Stand, bend, walk and/or sit for 6-12 hours in a clinical setting performing physical activities requiring energy without jeopardizing the safety of the client, self or others
• Walk without a cane, walker or crutches
• Function with hands free for nursing care and transporting items
• Transport self and client without the use of electrical devices
• Flex, abduct and rotate all joints freely
• Respond rapidly to emergency situations
• Maneuver in small areas
• Perform daily care functions for the client
• Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements to provide safe effective nursing care
• Calibrate/use equipment
• Execute movement required to provide nursing care in all health care settings
• Perform CPR and physical assessment
• Operate a computer

Professional Behavior

• Convey caring, respect, sensitivity, tact, compassion, empathy, tolerance and a healthy attitude toward others
• Demonstrate a mentally healthy attitude that is age appropriate in relationship to the client
• Handle multiple tasks concurrently
• Perform safe, effective nursing care for clients in a caring context
• Understand and follow the policies and procedures of the College and clinical agencies
• Understand the consequences of violating the student code of conduct
• Understand that posing a direct threat to others is unacceptable and subjects one to discipline
• Meet qualifications for licensure by examination as stipulated by the Alabama Board of Nursing
• Not to pose a threat to self or others
• Function effectively in situations of uncertainty and stress inherent in providing nursing care
• Adapt to changing environments and situations
• Remain free of chemical dependency
• Report promptly to clinicals and remain for 6-12 hours on the clinical unit
• Provide nursing care in an appropriate time frame
• Accepts responsibility, accountability, and ownership of one’s actions
• Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner
• Examine and modify one’s own behavior when it interferes with nursing care or learning.

STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “Students admitted to the Practical Nursing program will be required to acknowledge the ability to meet essential functions listed”
I have reviewed the Essential Functions for this program and I certify that to the best of my knowledge, I have the ability to perform these functions. I understand that a further evaluation of my ability may be required and conducted by the nursing faculty if deemed necessary, to evaluate my ability prior to admission to the program and for retention and progression through the program.

I understand that Wallace Community College will provide reasonable accommodations but is not required to substantially alter the requirements or nature of the program or provide accommodations that inflict an undue burden on the respective College.

I understand that if my health changes during the program of learning, so that the essential functions cannot be met with or without reasonable accommodations, that I may be withdrawn from the nursing program.

I understand that if I need accommodations, it is my responsibility to contact the appropriate College official. My request should be directed to Dr. Ryan Spry at (334) 556-2587 (Dothan).