Essential Qualifications
Essential Qualifications
At Everett Community College, the Nursing Program is committed to supporting each student's growth into a compassionate, skilled, and safe nursing professional. To uphold the high standards of nursing practice, faculty work closely with students to ensure they possess--or can develop with support--the personal, academic, and professional qualities necessary for success.
Our program prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for licensure in the State of Washington or the Multistate Licensure Compatct and to competently provide high-quality, patient-centered care across a variety of health care settings. Nursing education requires integrating knowledge, hands-on skill development, and sound clinical jusgement. Students learn through diverse and sometimes complex experiences, always supported by faculty, peers, and the broader health care team.
Because nursing involves responsibility for others' well-being, students must demonstrate essential abilities that ensure safe and effective care. These competencies are foundational not only for completing the Associate of Arts and Science in Nursing degree but also for protecting the health and safety of clients, fellow students, faculty, and health care professionsals. Below is an overview of the essential abilities expected of all nursing students:
Motor Skills
Students should have sufficient coordination, strength, and stamina to perform the physical tasks necessary for client care. This includes the dexterity and range of motion required for clinical procedures, as well as the endurance needed to sustain long clincal shifts. Examples include performing CPR, assisting clients with mobility, and responding safely during emergencies.
The Nursing Program recognizes that students may meet these expectations with reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students who require accommodations are encouraged to connect with the Center for Disability Services to explore supports that do not alter essential program requirements or compromise client safety. Accommodations may assist students in performing required motor tasks, provided that safe and effective client care can be maintained.
Sensory/Observation Skills
Students must be able to gather information through all senses--including sight, hearing, touch, and smell--to observe clients and accurately identify changes in their condition. This may include noticing non-verbal cues, listening to heart or lung sounds, identifying changes in skin appearance, or recognizing signs of infection.
Communication
Effective, respectful, and culturally sensitive communication is essential. Students must be able to clearly exchange information with clients, families, faculty, peers, and members of the health care team. This includes active listening, professional writing, expressing ideas clearly, and seeking guidance appropriately. Timely and accurate communication about client status is a critical component of safe care.
Cognitive Abilities
Students must be able to think critically, process large amounts of information, and apply knowledge in both classroom and clinical settings. This includes calculating medication dosages, analyzing client data, adapting to evolving situations, and recognizing when to seek assistance. Comfort with clinical uncertainty and the ability to learn from new experiences are essential aspects of nursing judgement.
Behavioral and Emotional Readiness
Nursing requires emotional resilience, empathy, and professionalism. Students should be able to build therapeutic relationships, manage stress, adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, and reflect on how personal experiences or beliefs may influence their interactions. Maintaining respectful and collaborative relationships with clients, peers, faculty, and healthcare staff is essential to a positive learning environment.
Professional Conduct
Students are expected to uphold the ethical and professional standards of nursing. This includes demonstrating honesty, integrity, accountability, compassion, and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Students must be prepared to provid safe care to all client populations, including children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and medically vulnerable clients.
Reasonable Accommodations
We are committed to supporting students with disabilities. Candidates who request accommodations will be asked to provide documentation to arrange appropriate, reasonable accommodations. While the program cannot modify essential components of nursing education or create undue hardship for the College or clinicals sites, we work collaboratively with students to ensure they can meet essential functions with or without accommodation.
Requests for accommodation should be directed to:
Center For Disability Services
Everett Community College
425-388-9272