RN to BS in Nursing, BS

Program Mission, Goals and Outcomes

Program Mission

The New England Institute of Technology Nursing department seeks to prepare nurses at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels to practice holistically in today’s complex and highly technological health care system. The mission of the programs is to prepare individuals as professionals whose care reflects altruistic, evidence-based, and ethical practice in the nursing profession.

Program Philosophy

This philosophy, the foundation of our curriculum, represents the faculty’s core beliefs regarding human beings, environment, health, nursing, higher education, teaching, and learning.

We believe that every person is a unique being worthy of respect and dignity. In our nursing framework, biological, and social components integrate seamlessly in individuals who use self-care to maintain their health status. We view the environment as the totality of the patient’s experience that includes the family, cultural context, society, and the global community. We recognize that the patient’s environment is a major influence on the patient’s health status.

Health is an individual experience characterized by wholeness where physical, psychological, interpersonal, spiritual, cultural, and social aspects of health are inseparable in the person. An individual’s response to stressors may change the ability of the patient to engage in self-care, resulting in deficits in meeting basic needs and requiring the need for nursing care. Individuals are moving toward maturation and actualization of their full potential. Humans have universal self-care requisites, and nurses need to be tireless advocates for patients’ pursuit of these universal needs within a caring and nonjudgmental environment.

Nursing is a scientific discipline with a distinct body of knowledge. Nursing practice is grounded in nursing science, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, and humanities. Nurses engage with clients in an active partnership and seek to understand the client’s lived experience of illness. Within this context, nurses provide holistic, evidence-based nursing care that respects and supports individual definitions of health. Nurses focus on quality healthcare and advocate for diverse individuals, families, communities, and systems. Nursing practice is grounded in these paradigmatic beliefs which provide the foundation for critical inquiry and knowledge development in nursing.

Every person who wishes to pursue a career in nursing should have the opportunity to do so. By advancing educational access for a diverse population of students, associate degree nursing education has contributed to a diverse nursing workforce to meet the healthcare needs of culturally and ethnically diverse populations. Likewise, every nurse should be encouraged to pursue, and have access to, seamless academic progression beyond the associate degree into baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs. The Department of Nursing at New England Tech joins with other nursing organizations in Rhode Island and throughout the nation, to advance opportunities for academic progression within nursing. We stand ready to work together to ensure that nurses have the support they need to further their education.

Higher education for nursing practice is grounded in a sound theoretical and empirical knowledge base. The educational program intends to address the needs of diverse learners by encouraging active participation in the learning process. Nursing education seeks to empower students as future nurses while instilling an enthusiasm for lifelong critical inquiry, learning, and professional growth.

The faculty is committed to creating supportive environments that foster adult learning. Students have multiple opportunities to develop the core competencies that characterize a well-educated nurse. Students work closely with professors who care about them and provide opportunities for student learning and development as confident lifelong learners. The faculty uses a variety of evidence-based teaching methods that address adult students’ learning needs. Learners assume responsibility for their learning and are active participants in the learning process.

Program Outcomes

1. Synthesize theoretical and empirical nursing knowledge and related knowledge from the arts, sciences, and technology essential for professional practice.
2. Participate in quality improvement processes to provide high-quality, safe nursing care in a variety of settings.
3. Engage in a systematic process of critical inquiry to make evidence-based practice decisions that improve the nursing care of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
4. Use information technology and patient data for ethical, clinical decision-making.
5. Advocate for clients and support their right to safe, compassionate, ethical, and holistic nursing care.
6. Communicate respectfully and work collaboratively with patients, intra-, and inter-professional teams to deliver safe, patient-centered care that improves health outcomes.
7. Provide professional nursing care to individuals and populations that include health promotion and maintenance, illness care, end-of-life care, and rehabilitation.
8. Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism that embraces the core values of excellence, caring, ethical practice, civility, accountability, and life-long learning.
9. Employ current theories and principles of leadership to create a caring healthcare environment, deliver quality care, and improve healthcare outcomes.

Courses Offered

For the latest listing of courses offered, please review our University Catalog here.

Q&A and Technical Standards

Questions & Answers

1. When do my classes meet? Because the RN to BSN program is online, there are no times when students are required to meet in a traditional on-campus classroom. Faculty may schedule (at their discretion) online discussions or other activities through the online learning software that may require you to attend class at a specific time. These sessions may be recorded for students to access at a later time. However, most online work is expected to be completed based on the student’s schedule within the context of the course requirements.
2. Must I take other classes in addition to the Nursing courses?Yes. In addition to your nursing courses, to qualify for your bachelor’s degree, you will take a total of seven liberal arts courses over the course of your RN to BSN program of study.
3. How large will my classes be? The average size for a class is about 20 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time.
4. How is taking an online course different from an on-campus course?Online courses offer you flexibility in the scheduling of your class and study time. However, online courses also require self-discipline and self-motivation to do the work that is expected of the course. Since there will be no “lecture” time and no class time to attend, you will need to dedicate an appropriate amount of time to review the course content on the Canvas learning management system, complete the readings, participate in the online discussion forums, and complete other assignments.Instead of meeting at a fixed time and location, your online course will run on a weekly schedule starting on a Monday and ending on a Sunday evening. Generally, there are no set meeting times during which the entire class meets. Despite this flexibility, you are required to login to your course regularly as described in the course syllabus. Additionally, there may be some assignments when specific due dates must be met.
5. Do online courses take more time than on-campus courses?No. Online courses require the same amount of work as an on-campus course. However, the time you spend in an online course will be different than in an on-campus course. For example, more time may be spent on reading and completing the assignments and responding to electronic posts from both the instructor and other students and less time will be spent on driving to and from campus and no time will be spent in class.
6. What are the entry requirements for the program? A candidate for admission to the RN to BSN degree program must submit the following:
   1. A completed NEIT application.
   2. Previous official college transcripts verifying graduation with a nursing degree or diploma from an accredited college of nursing with a minimum 2.7 cumulative grade point average (GPA) and completion of the following prerequisite courses (or equivalent) with a C+ (77%) or better:
      1. BIO 107 Comprehensive Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
      2. BIO 127 Comprehensive Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
      3. BIO 122 Microbiology
      4. PS 140 Life Span Development
      5. SO 203 Social Problems
      6. Two Humanities Electives
      7. EN 100 Introduction to College Writing
   3. Applicants must be academically qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN but may take up to two terms of general education and NUR 300 level courses while they are preparing for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
   4. Proof of a valid, unencumbered RN license from any state in the United States or U.S. territory must be submitted prior to student’s third term of the curriculum.Note:  NEIT’s RN to BSN program cannot accept students from the following states due to nursing licensure regulations surrounding the Nurse Compact Act:
      

      Alabama (AL)	Idaho (ID)
      Alaska (AK)	Louisiana (LA)
      Arizona (AZ)	Missouri (MO)
      Arkansas (AR)	Nebraska (NE)
      California (CA)	Washington (WA)
      Georgia (GA)

7. How long should it take me to complete my program? The RN-BSN program is a part-time program. Students may take up to two nursing courses per term, or three courses with prior approval.
8. Is New England Tech accredited? Yes. New England Tech is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation by NECHE is recognized by the federal government and entitles New England Tech to participate in federal financial aid programs.
9. Is the NEIT Nursing Program Accredited?The RN to Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, Telephone: 404-975-5000, FAX: 404-975-5020.
10. Is the program entirely online?All of the RN to BSN courses are offered entirely online. The final course is the Capstone Practicum that includes an 80-hour practicum experience in the student’s specialty area. Students are encouraged to complete the Capstone Practicum in their own community or organization.
11. What does Leadership & Capstone involve? The objective of the practicum is to collaborate with, and learn from, a nursing leader and expert in a selected leadership or clinical specialty area. The student and preceptor enter into a contractual agreement that further defines the objectives of the practicum preceptorship-based on the students’ learning needs and professional goals.
12. Can I complete Leadership & Capstone at my current workplace? Yes, Leadership & Capstone may be completed in the student’s own workplace. The student will need to identify a Registered Nurse (RN) who will voluntarily assume the role of mentor, teacher, and role model for the RN to BSN student. The preceptor must have at least two years of experience, one of which must be in the area of practicum specialty and have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Additional guidelines and individualized support are provided to all matriculated students.
13. When should I begin looking for a preceptor for NUR 447 Leadership & Capstone course?It is never too early to begin thinking about potential nurse preceptors! It is highly recommended that students begin identifying and speaking with potential preceptors early in the program of study but no later than when they are two terms away from enrolling in NUR 447 Leadership & Capstone.
14. When should I begin obtaining and submitting documentation for my Leadership & Capstone?It is important that you start obtaining compliance documents at least two full terms before you plan to take NUR 447.  All documents must be submitted one full term before you register for NUR 447. For example, if you plan to take NUR 447, you should begin obtaining compliance documents in the prior term (three terms before you plan to take NUR 447). You must then have all of the compliance requirements completed by the start of your capstone (one full term before you begin NUR 447). All capstone documents are located in the RN to BSN Student Nurse Guidelines on the students.neit.edu.
15. What documentation is required for my NUR 447 Leadership &Capstone?The following compliance documents must be on file in the Department of Nursing one full term before registering for NUR 447 (the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator is available to answer questions and assist students as needed):
    • Current American Heart Association CPR certification for Healthcare providers at the infant, child, and adult levels.
    • Leadership & Capstone Contract
    • Preceptor’s current Resume or Curriculum Vitae, Qualification Form, and two professional References
    • Certain practicum sites may have additional requirements. Students are responsible to consult with their preceptor to see if there are any other requirements.

     

16. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at New England Tech to another college? The transferability of course credit is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for further information.
17. Do I need to maintain a certain grade point average?Yes, students need to maintain a 2.7 cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in good standing. A minimum grade of B- (80%) is required for Nursing (NUR) and Biology (BIO) courses and a minimum grade of C+ (77%) is required for all other courses taken to complete the RN to BSN Program. Students may repeat a nursing course only once. A student will be dismissed from the program if any two courses (NUR or BIO) are not passed with a B- (80%) or better.
18. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to New England Tech? Transfer credit for appropriate baccalaureate level courses taken at an accredited institution will be considered upon receipt of an official transcript for any program, biology, science, and mathematics courses in which the student has earned a “C+” (77%) or above within the past three years and for English or humanities courses in which the student has earned a “C+” or above within the last ten years. An official transcript from the other institution must be received at a minimum of one week prior to the start of the course for which transfer credit is being requested.
19. Is there a residency requirement?Yes. To be eligible for graduation from New England Tech with the RN to BSN degree, students must complete the last 34 credit hours as a matriculated student in the RN to BSN program at New England Tech.
20. Will advisors be available to me?Yes. Students in the RN to BSN program will be assigned a Student Advisor from the Office of Student Support Services. The institution has developed a two-tiered approach to student advising: a Student Advisor assigned from the Office of Student Support Services and a faculty advisor.The New England Tech Student Advisor provides guidance, encouragement and support to students and is the primary point of contact for all student concerns and information about New England Tech policies and procedures. From the individual student’s perspective, the New England Tech Student Advisor is the student’s college-wide advisor on all matters related to success at New England Tech. Student Advisors assists students who are experiencing difficulties with their course work or who encounter problems that interfere with the successful completion of their program. Student Advisors monitor students’ attendance and academic progress and contact students as needed. The Student Advisor’s outreach to the students includes weekly emails to students and, as needed, individual phone calls to the students. Students may meet with their Student Advisor for a degree audit and for assistance with course selection and registration. Students with disabilities who wish to request accommodations must self-identify, communicate their needs to their Student Advisor and provide current and comprehensive documentation concerning the nature and extent of their disability.The RN to BSN program identifies a department faculty advisor to council students on academic matters. These faculty advisors are assigned by the department chair and provide students with direction in course curriculum including the selection of appropriate elective courses as well as other appropriate academic program advice.
21. How many credits do I need to acquire my Financial Aid? Full time students receive the maximum amount of financial aid for which they are eligible. Full-time status for the purpose of federal financial aid programs is 12 or more per term. Students having an academic credit load of less than 12 credits are also eligible for financial aid, but their aid awards may be pro-rated based on their credit load. Students must have a credit load of at least 6 credits per academic term to be eligible for any type of financial aid. Pro-ration and eligibility vary based on the aid program. The Financial Aid Department at New England Tech can answer any questions you may have about your credit load and its effect on your financial aid funding.
22. What does my program cost? The cost of your program will be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your cost for books and other course materials. (See current Tuition and Fees for the RN to BSN program)
23. What kind of employment assistance does New England Tech offer? The Office of Career Services assists New England Tech students and graduates at the East Greenwich, RI campus and online in resume writing, interviewing skills, and the development of a job search strategy. Upon completion of their program, students may submit a resume to be circulated to employers for employment opportunities that, for the most part, may exist in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Employers regularly contact the Office of Career Services about our graduates. In addition, our Office of Career Services contacts employers to develop job leads. A strong relationship with employers exists as a result of New England Tech’s training students to meet the needs of industry for over fifty years. No school can, and New England Tech does not, guarantee to its graduates employment or a specific starting salary.
24. Where will job opportunities exist? Employment opportunities are available nationally. Graduates have obtained employment in many different healthcare settings.
25. What are the hardware and software requirements for the program?
    

    	Recommended Minimum
    Operating System:	Windows 10 or Macintosh OS X (10.14)
    Processor:	2+ GHz
    Memory:	4GB
    Plug-ins:	Adobe PDF Reader, Flash Adobe PDF Reader, Flash and others as required by specific courses
    Players:	QuickTime, Java Player, Java
    Browser:	Chrome, IE, Safari, Edge, Firefox (all latest versions)
    Display:	1024×768
    Software:	Office 365 (2016)
    Internet Connection:	FiOS/DSL/CABLE DSL/CABLE
    Email Account:	New England Tech student email account
    Sound Card:	Required
    Other (some programs):	• A webcam (the one built into your laptop or iPad should be fine) • A microphone (built into the computer or headset is handy). • A digital camera (the one on a smart phone is fine).

    Online students must be capable of installing and maintaining their own computer’s hardware and software. New England Tech does not assist students with the setup of their computers.

    Information about obtaining the software (if any) will be made available to you at the start of each course.

    Note: Tablets and smartphones can be convenient for reading course materials and email but will not be sufficient for doing all of your course work.

26. Do I need special computer skills in order to take an online course? You will need basic familiarity with your computer, for example: emailing, using the Web, and downloading and attaching documents. No special equipment is required – just a modern Windows or Mac computer, an office suite such as Microsoft Office, and a broadband internet connection.New England Tech online courses are designed to help acclimate you to the technology and build your skills and your confidence as you go. We provide 24×7 support via phone, email or chat to help you with computer or online system issues. Tablet computers can be useful for doing course readings, watching course videos, and catching up on course discussions. But a tablet will not be sufficient for doing all your course work – be sure you have regular access to a laptop or desktop computer. 
27. How can I get help for my coursework when I need it? There are several ways that you can get the help you need with your coursework. First, your instructor will be available to you through email, chat and the phone; second, your Student Advisor is also available through email, chat and the phone; and finally, the Academic Skills Center will be available via email and the phone. PLEASE NOTE: It is important for both your personal and professional growth that you do all the work yourself. New England Tech has a strict Academic Honesty Policy that is part of every course syllabus.
28. How do I get help from other university departments?At the beginning of each term, you will receive a list of contact information for every university service. The list includes where you can find each service such as the university catalog and URL, the name and contact information for the individual responsible for each service such as the telephone number and email address and the hours when each service is available. Examples of services include the Academic Skills Center, the Bookstore, the Career Services Office, the Financial Aid, Registrar’s Office, Student Advisors from the Office of Student Support Services, Library, Student Accounts, Office of Teaching and Learning and the Response Desk.
29. How much time should I expect to dedicate to an online course?New England Tech’s policy regarding the amount of work expected of a student is similar to all other colleges and universities. The number of credit hours assigned to coursework is related to the academic time a student is expected to spend in direct faculty instruction and out-of-class work, and reasonably approximates one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately ten weeks for one hour of credit; or at least an equivalent amount of work for other academic activities as established by New England Tech including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work, such as study and exam preparation time, leading to the award of credit hours.
30. Where do I go for help with technical issues?The Response Desk is available through email and the phone. Please realize the Response Desk can only help you with access to your online account. The Response Desk cannot help you with any software or hardware issues with your personal computer. Refer to the Office Hours document that is available in each of your Canvas courses for specific contact information as well as hours of operation.
31. How do I buy textbooks?Students may purchase their textbooks either through the Bookstore or through online merchants. Your instructor will provide the course syllabus to you prior to the start of class to allow you time to purchase the textbooks. Textbook information for all courses is available through the Bookstore prior to the start of each academic term. Please review the contact information for the Bookstore in the Office Hours document.
32. Are there attendance and participation requirements?Yes. Each week you will be required to participate in various activities such as discussion boards or other assignments for each course. All course activities will be counted towards your attendance and participation grade.
33. How will I submit my course assignments and take exams?You will receive information from your instructor about how to submit your assignments through the Canvas learning management system. You may be asked to take online or web-based quizzes and exams, submit papers online, engage in group work, or prepare a portfolio of your work online. Your instructor will notify you in advance of his or her testing requirements. In some cases, your instructor may require that you take a proctored exam. If a proctored exam is required, you will be required to submit a proctor form to your instructor prior to gaining access to the exam.
34. Will I have an instructor?Yes. Instructors are essential to online learning at New England Institute of Technology. All instructors are trained to teach online or have experience teaching online. They lead the courses and function as facilitators, coaches and tutors. In the online setting, instructors devote as much time to communicating with the class as they do in the traditional classroom. They log in regularly to respond to questions, direct discussion and evaluate assignments. Instructors for all NUR courses have a minimum of an MSN degree.
35. Will I interact with other students?Yes. You will interact with other students in all your online courses. Through online discussions, email and other group activities, you can develop an electronic peer network and participate in discussion forums and online study groups. Although you may never see each other face-to-face, you will establish a group of colleagues.All students must have a complete physical examination and required immunizations completed prior to NUR 492 Capstone Practicum course. Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella immunization or titres, and tetanus immunizations are required. A TB test is required each year. Personal negligence and malpractice insurance is also required. For instructions on how to obtain the Student Liability Insurance, refer to the RN to BSN course in Canvas. Uniforms, equipment, laboratory fees and textbooks will also need to be purchased.
36. Are there any additional costs/activities associated with this program? All students must have a complete physical examination and required immunizations completed prior to NUR 492 Capstone Practicum course. Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella immunization or titres, and tetanus immunizations are required. A TB test is required each year. Personal negligence and malpractice insurance is also required. For instructions on how to obtain the Student Liability Insurance, refer to the RN to BSN course in Canvas. Uniforms, equipment, laboratory fees and textbooks will also need to be purchased.
37. Do I need to have a Criminal Background check? All RN to BSN students are required to have a criminal background check from the state in which they hold their license prior to the NUR 492 Capstone Practicum course. Students are required to use CastleBranch for the criminal background check, and not the Attorney General’s Office.

Technical Standards

These technical standards set forth by the Nursing Department establish the essential qualifications considered necessary for students admitted to the program. The successful student must possess the following skills and abilities or be able to demonstrate they can complete the requirements of the program with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Cognitive Ability

• Good reasoning and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to learn, remember and recall detailed information and to use it for problem solving.
• Ability to deal with materials and problems such as organizing or reorganizing information.
• Ability to use abstractions in specific concrete situations.
• Ability to separate complex information into its component parts.
• Ability to perform tasks by observing demonstrations.
• Ability to perform tasks by following written instructions.
• Ability to perform tasks following verbal instructions.
• Possession of basic keyboarding skills and knowledge of computer programs.

Communications Skills

• Ability to speak in understandable English in a classroom situation on a one-on-one basis as well as before a group.
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty and other students.
• Ability to demonstrate and use the knowledge acquired during the classroom training process.
• Ability to verbally express technical concepts clearly and distinctly.
• Ability to express thoughts clearly.

Adaptive Ability

• Ability to remain calm in the face of computer lab equipment and/or software failure.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability and the maturity necessary to interact with members of the faculty and students in a responsible manner.
• Ability to tolerate the differences in all students, faculty, and administration.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks under stressful and demanding conditions.
• Ability to adapt in a positive manner to new and changing situations with an open mind and flexibility.
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly and appropriately in stressful situations.

Physical Ability

• Ability to sit continuously at a personal computer for long periods of time in order to learn and become proficient in computer programming and networking.
• Ability to perform learned skills independently, with accuracy and completeness within reasonable time frames in accordance with classroom and business procedures.

Manual Ability

• Sufficient motor function and sensory abilities to participate effectively in the classroom laboratory.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and motor coordination to coordinate hands, eyes and fingers in the operation of computers and business equipment.

Sensory Ability

• Visual
  • Acute enough to see clearly and interpret the contents on the computer screen.

Professional Standards for the Student Nursing Program

Students enrolled in the NEIT’s Nursing program will be held to the American Nurses’ Association’s “Standards of Professional Performance” and “Code for Nurses,” and the Nursing Program’s Essential Abilities (outlined below). Failure to uphold these standards may result in dismissal from any nursing program.

ANA Standards of Professional Performance

• A nurse must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in English with clients, teachers and all members of the health care team.
• The nurse systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice.
• The nurse evaluates his or her own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations.
• The nurse acquires and maintains current knowledge in nursing practice.
• The nurse contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues, and others.
• The nurse’s decisions and actions on behalf of clients are determined in an ethical manner.
• The nurse collaborates with the clients, significant others, and health care providers.
• The nurse uses research findings in practice.
• The nurse considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and cost in planning and delivering client care.

ANA Code for Nurses

• Each person, upon entering the nursing profession, inherits a measure of the responsibility and trust associated with the profession, along with the corresponding obligation to adhere to the standards of ethical practice and conduct it has set. Nursing students are expected to show responsibility in their behavior, to deal with faculty, peers, patients, and clinical staff in a direct and honest manner, and to be professional in their conduct. Students who violate accepted standards for professional nursing may be discharged from the program.
• The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.
• The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community.
• The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.
• The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse’s obligation to provide optimum patient care.
• The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth.
• The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving healthcare environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action.
• The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.
• The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs.
• The profession of nursing, as represented by associations and their members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and for shaping social policy.

Essential Abilities

NEIT Nursing faculty has specified essential abilities (professional standards) critical to the success of students enrolled in any NEIT nursing program. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria, and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities (professional standards) with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Essential judgment skills to include ability to identify, assess, and comprehend conditions surrounding patient situations for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or courses of action.
• Essential neurological functions to include ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, touch, and smell to make correct judgments regarding patient conditions for the purpose of demonstrating competence to safely engage in the practice of nursing. Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological functions include, but are not limited to, observing, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and employing psychomotor abilities.
• Essential communication skills to include ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, patients, and all members of the health care team. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities consistent with effective communication.
• Essential emotional coping skills to include ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of nursing as determined by professional standards of practice.
• Essential intellectual and conceptual skills to include ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of nursing.
• Other essential behavioral attributes to include ability to engage in activities consistent with safe nursing practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair behavior or judgment. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the Nursing program and as a developing professional nurse.