Applicants seeking admission to the Nurse Anesthesia Program must:

• Have sufficient visual acuity to observe and assess a patient, to discriminate color and depth, to read and accurately complete reports and to visualize diagnostic/monitoring equipment in dim light.

• Have sufficient hearing to monitor and assess patient health needs, to monitor various equipment and background sounds, and to communicate by telephone.

• Be able to speak in a clear and concise manner.

• Have communication abilities sufficient to interact professionally with others in verbal and written form, and have reading skills appropriate to understand patient charts, reports, and orders.

• Be able to lift patients to accomplish bed/chair/stretcher transfer.

• Be able to stand and walk without difficulty and be able to push a gurney or wheelchair.

• Be able to stand and/or sit for an extended period of time.

• Be able to perform fine and gross motor skills with both hands.

• Possess critical thinking skills sufficient to think clearly and act appropriately in stressful situations.

• Possess interpersonal skills sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

• Have mobility sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces.

• Have tactile ability sufficient to perform palpation functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention.