Technical Standards

The knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully practice as a health care professional are varied according to the practice setting and job requirements. Take into consideration whether you can perform the following functions, with or without accommodations. If you determine that you are unable to do any of the skills listed and you have a documented disability, you will then need to determine if a reasonable accommodation can be provided. To request an accommodation, you will need to contact the Disabilities Service Office (231-591-3057) and present documentation of your disability.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills

• Pick up objects with hands
• Grasp small objects with hands (e.g., pencil)
• Write with pen or pencil
• Key/type (e.g., use a computer, copier, fax)
• Twist (e.g., turn objects/knobs using hands)

Mobility

• Twist, bend, stoop/squat, lift up to 20 pounds
• Sit for an extended period of time
• Maneuver in small spaces, offices, file rooms

Hearing

• Hear normal speaking level sounds (e.g., person-to-person reports)
• Hear phones
• Hear auditory alarms (e.g., fire alarms, emergency signals)

Visual

• See objects up to 20 inches away (e.g., information on a computer screen, patient records, financial information)
• Calculate mathematical information (hospital statistics, budgets, etc.)
• Read and understand written documents (e.g., policies, protocols, regulations)
• Maintain databases

Tactile

• Ability to process health data and management information, typing skills
• Ability to file, code, prepare reports

Emotional Stability

• Adapt to changing environment/stressful conditions
• Perform multiple responsibilities concurrently

Critical/Analytical Thinking

• Identify cause-effect relationships in professional practice situations
• Plan/control /delegate activities for others
• Synthesize knowledge and skills
• Sequence information/Prioritize/Strategic planning
• Evaluate outcomes
• Problem solve
• Prioritize tasks

Interpersonal Skills

• Negotiate interpersonal conflict
• Respect differences and interact with patients and families from a variety of backgrounds
• Establish rapport with co-workers

Communication Skills

• Interact with others (e.g., health care workers, patients)
• Speak on the telephone
• Influence people
• Direct activities of others
• Convey information verbally and through writing (e.g., written reports)

 

**Adapted from the Technical Standards of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc., Chicago, IL. and the Guidelines for Nursing Education Programs from the Board of Directors of the Southern Council on Collegiate Education in Nursing