Nursing is an art and science that focuses on providing health care to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Professional nurses must be able to act independently, responsibly, and with integrity. They must be skillful decision makers, communicators, and coordinators of care. As well, they must be able to speak and act assertively on behalf of their clients and their profession. Professional nurses view health holistically, and are a pivotal component of the modern health care system.
If you would describe yourself as a person who…
- has both an analytical mind and a caring disposition
- has mathematical and scientific ability
- has physical stamina and dexterity
- can communicate effectively with a variety of people
- is comfortable working in multicultural settings
- is organized and efficient
- acts responsibly and with integrity
- can think critically and independently
- can make decisions based on evidence
- can be assertive and advocate for others
- is calm in stressful situations
... then professional nursing may be the career for you.
There are a number of fundamental skills and abilities that a nursing student must possess in order to engage in the types of activities in which nursing students will engage. This information can be used by prospective students in order to determine whether they are able to meet the demands of this career. The following list is an elaboration of the above characteristics, organized in five categories, with examples of entry-level registered nursing activities to illustrate the requisite. The examples are not exhaustive and offered only for the purpose of illustration.
- Cognitive
Ability to perform skills which demonstrate thinking capacity:
- recall information over time
- demonstrate complex computation skills
- demonstrate critical inquiry skills
- priorize tasks
- demonstrate concentration skills
- demonstrate problem-solving skills
Example: In administering pain medication, critically analyzes assessment data, chooses from possible interventions, calculates correct dosage, safely administers medication, recognizes untoward effects and intervenes.
- Communication
Ability to express and receive written, verbal or non-verbal information and the ability to interact with others in a clear, respectful and professional manner:
- English language proficiency (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
- recognizing own non-verbal communication and the ability to interpret non-verbal communication of others
- ability to document and understand information, in writing as well as electronically, in the patient's chart/health record
Example: Able to elicit and attend to information from a client during an assessment and communicate findings verbally and in writing to other health-care providers.
- Behavioral
Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner:
- accept individual differences
- take direction
- behave in a professional manner
- practice in a manner consistent with established patient safety policies and procedures
- provide care in an unpredictable environment
- manage time and establish timelines
Example: Sets priorities in the face of multiple demands. Maintains a calm presence regardless of a client's behavior.
- Sensory
Ability to perceive with each of the following senses well enough to provide care and participate in educational activities:
- sight
- touch
- hearing
- smell
- hand-eye coordination (manual dexterity)
Example: Possess the sensory capacity to see well enough to read numbers on a syringe, feel a pulse, hear alarms, recognize odours and prepare a medication.
- Physical
Ability to perform each of the following requisites well enough to provide client care and participate in educational activities:
- lift
- carry
- stand and maintain balance
- perform repetitive actions
- pull and push
- climb
- bend
- reach
- walk
- move within confined spaces
Example: Able to provide CPR, carry a baby and reposition an adult client in bed.
