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Policy Section: Board Procedures
Policy Title: Essential Eligibility Requirements for Nurses, Nursing Assistants and Medication - Aides Certified
Date Originated: 8/93 Adopted: 6/1/94 Revised: 10/15/12
I. PURPOSE: To define what the essential eligibility requirements are for applicants for licensure/certification.
II. POLICY STATEMENT: The mission of the Board of Nursing is to protect the public. Initial applicants and renewal applicants must possess the ability to comply with the essential eligibility requirements for the practice of nursing. The Board has identified the physical, intellectual, and mental health requirements that are essential to an applicant’s eligibility for a license/certificate to practice nursing safely.
III. Essential eligibility requirements are identified as follows:
A. PHYSICAL
1. Ability to sit, stand, bend, squat, crawl, twist, walk, climb, lift, and to reach for extended periods.
2. Ability to grasp, perform fine manipulation.
3. Ability to visualize the surrounding environmental sounds.
4. Ability to carry, push.
5. Free from conditions which put other humans at risk for harm.
B. INTELLECTUAL
1. Ability to read and write, to record and report.
2. Ability to comprehend written and oral directions and carry them out.
3. Ability to speak and understand English to adequately communicate orally
and in writing.
4. Ability to perform simple math functions.
5. Ability to integrate information and through critical thinking, problem solve.
6. Ability to effectively interact with the environment and other persons.
C. MENTAL HEALTH
1. Ability to be free from:
a. Prominent Hallucinations
b. Delusions
c. Failure to Impulse Control
d. Depersonalization
e. Aggression
f. Substance Abuse
g. Suicidal Ideation
h. Homicidal Ideation
i. Sexual Acting-Out Within The Employment Setting
j. Flight of Ideas
k. Dementia
l. Delirium
2. Ability to concentrate and attend.
3. Ability to remember.