Preparing to be a Nurse

Students must be able to observe demonstrations and learn from experiences in the basic sciences, including but not limited to, anatomy, physiology and microbiology laboratory situations. Students must be able to observe and learn from experiences in the clinical nursing laboratory such as the following examples: accurately read gradients/calibrations on a syringe; measure medications accurately; accurately recognize color changes on chemical reaction strips; assess heart, breath, abdominal sounds; assess normal and abnormal color changes in the skin; observe pupil changes; and observe digital or waveform readings. All nursing students admitted to Laramie County Community College Nursing Program must be able to meet these standards with or without accommodation(s). 

Communications include not only speech but also reading, writing and computer usage, including handheld digital access. Students must be able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients, caregivers, physicians, other health professionals, clinical facility staff, faculty and staff, peers, and the community in general in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications.

Students should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. Students should be physically able to collect specimens and perform basic tests (such as glucose finger stick, urine dipstick). Students should be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Example of emergency treatment reasonably required of nurses are cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), administration of intravenous (IV) medication, application of pressure to stop bleeding, and assist in moving and lifting patients using proper body mechanics. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and using tactile and visual senses.

Students must be able to comprehend and interpret documents written in English. Students should have cognitive abilities including measurements, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Critical thinking is the ability to synthesize knowledge and integrate the relevant aspects of a client’s history, physical exam findings and diagnostic studies. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of nurses, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the student should be able to comprehend three dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures in order to understand normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology.

Students must possess the emotional health required to utilize their intellectual abilities fully, exercise good judgment, complete all responsibilities attendant to the nursing diagnosis and care of patients promptly, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and their families. Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress.  They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal communication skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that should be assessed during the education process. As a component of nursing education, a student must demonstrate ethical behavior including adherence to the professional nursing code and the LCCC and LCCC Nursing Program students conduct codes.