Physical Requirements and Immunizations

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.

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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.