Chamberlain University is committed to the achievement of superior student outcomes for a diverse population of students. Learning is designed to provide all students with the best academic experience and support services to become extraordinary nurses. Clinical education is designed using a holistic experiential learning model that recognizes and fosters each student’s professional potential to ultimately improve patients’ health outcomes in communities across various fields of care.

When considering a nursing program, the student must evaluate their abilities and skills. To succeed in a pre-licensure nursing program or post-graduate nursing program, a student must possess certain abilities and skills deemed essential functions for the care of the patients they will serve.

Students seeking admission and currently enrolled students should be aware that all students must meet technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations in addition to meeting academic standards.

Students will be required to maintain satisfactory demonstration of both academic and technical standards for progression through the program.

A candidate for Chamberlain’s pre-licensure or post-graduate nursing degree program must have abilities and skills in five areas: Acquiring Information, Developing Communication, Use and Interpretation of Data, Integration of Knowledge to Establish Clinical Judgment (Intellectual and Motor) and Developing Appropriate Professional Approaches (Behavior and Character).

Chamberlain is committed to excellence in accessibility to education; we encourage students with disabilities to seek accommodations. To make an accommodation request contact the Office of Student Disability Services at [email protected].

Acquiring Knowledge

• Must demonstrate ability to learn in classroom and education settings, to find sources of information and acquire the knowledge as well as to be a life-long learner who can adapt their skills to new developments and techniques.
• Acquire knowledge from demonstrations and experiences in didactic, experiential learning and clinical environments, which include group and physical demonstrations.
• Acquire knowledge from written documents and electronic systems which include scholarly articles and journals.
• Recognize and assess patient changes in mood, activity, cognition, verbal and non-verbal communication.

Developing Communication

• Must demonstrate communication skills for sensitive and effective interactions with patients, families and/or communities and teams.
• Communicate effectively with faculty, preceptors and all members of the healthcare team in didactic, experiential learning and clinical environments.
• Elicit information including a medical history and other details to adequately and effectively evaluate a patient’s condition.
• Maintain accurate patient records.
• Communicate effectively in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity cognition and posture and assess communications.
• Deliver communication that is concise, pertinent and complete to ensure safe transitions in care or elicit action in critical situations.

Use and Interpretation of Data

• Must accurately perform physical examinations and diagnostic exercises to assess and monitor health needs.
• Be proficient in performing and directing basic laboratory testing.
• Must meet applicable safety standards for the environment and follow universal precaution procedures.
• Use and interpret information from assessment techniques/maneuvers such as those involved in assessing respiratory and cardiac function, blood pressure, blood sugar, neurological status, etc.
• Use and interpret information related to physiologic phenomena generated from diagnostic tools (i.e., sphygmomanometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope) during a comprehensive examination of a patient.
• Obtain and interpret information from assessment of patient’s/client’s environment and responses to health across the continuum (spanning time and differing circumstances).

Integration of Knowledge to Establish Clinical Judgment (Intellectual and Motor)

• Synthesize information, problem solve and think critically to judge the most appropriate theory assessment strategy and plan of care.
• Measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize data related to patient diagnosis and treatment of patients.
• Re-evaluate plan of care and make appropriate changes based on patient's clinical indicators as well as physiologic and psychologic response.
• Exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner according to the appropriate role level for which the student is being prepared.
• Ask for help when needed and make proper judgments of when a nursing task can or cannot be carried out alone.
• Possess psychomotor skills necessary to provide holistic nursing care and perform or assist with procedures, treatments and medication administration.
• Practice in a safe manner.
• Appropriately provide care in emergencies and life support procedures.
• Perform universal precautions against contamination.
• Develop and evaluate plans of care.

Developing Appropriate Professional Approaches (Behavior and Character)

• Must have the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and function in the face of ambiguity inherent in the clinical problems of patients.
• Maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors and other professionals under all circumstances.
• Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients’ needs.
• Manifest concern for others.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, interest and motivation.
• Demonstrate intent and willingness to follow the American Nurses Association (ANA) Standards of Care and Nursing Code of Ethics.