Applicants seeking admission to the nursing program must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to:

• Visually observe and assess a patient, discriminate color and depth, read and accurately complete reports, and visualize diagnostic/monitoring equipment in dimmed light.
• Auditorily monitor and assess patient health needs, monitor various equipment and background sounds, and communicate by telephone.
• Verbally communicate in a clear and concise manner.
• Communicate sufficiently to interact with others in appropriate professional verbal and written forms.
• Read and interpret relevant medical data from patients’ charts, reports, and orders.
• Safely lift and transfer patients to accomplish bed/chair/stretcher transfer with assistance or assistive devices.
• Safely push a gurney or wheelchair.
• Stand or sit for an extended period of time.
• Demonstrate sufficient manual dexterity necessary to perform activities specific to each professional program.
• Possess critical thinking skills sufficient to think clearly and act professionally, safely, and accurately in stressful situations.
• Professionally interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

A professional program fee will be charged to cover the additional costs of the Associate degree program (see Fee Schedule in the Financial Information section).

A student in the Associate degree program must purchase a laptop computer from the FHCHS Bookstore.

A background check is required to begin nursing classes. The Florida State Board of Nursing and the nursing boards of other states reserve the right to deny licensure in their states to an applicant who has an unresolved felony on record in any state. This background check may impact eligibility for licensure and should be determined in advance of beginning an educational program. For further information, see the Associate Degree Nursing Program Student Handbook Supplement and Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program Student Manual.

With the approval of the College, the Department of Nursing reserves the right to revise, add, or withdraw courses and policies as necessary to ensure a quality nursing program.