The technical standards for the Cedar Crest College School of Nursing outline the essential skills and competencies required for both undergraduate and graduate nursing students to provide high-quality, compassionate patient care. These standards emphasize the acquisition of both foundational and advanced knowledge in clinical reasoning, healthcare systems, and evidence-based practice. Undergraduate students must demonstrate the ability to synthesize information, communicate effectively, and apply clinical judgment in patient care. Graduate students build on these skills by integrating complex theoretical knowledge, analyzing data, and making informed, evidence-based decisions. Both levels require proficiency in using technology, patient-centered care, and maintaining professionalism and lifelong learning. Students must also be able to perform essential technical skills and procedures, with accommodation provided as necessary to support individual needs and ensure equitable access to meet these requirements. The College provides reasonable accommodations to students on a nondiscriminatory basis consistent with legal requirements as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments ACT (ADAAA) of 2008, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you are an applicant with a disability who may require accommodations in our program, we encourage you to contact Student Accessibility Services at  for a confidential consultation.

Graduate Nursing Programs Technical Standards

Acquiring Fundamental Knowledge

• Theoretical Foundations: Graduate nurses must successfully complete advanced education in subjects such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. This knowledge forms the basis for understanding complex patient care by delving into theoretical frameworks to develop effective clinical reasoning skills.
• Current Research and Trends: Graduate nursing students must stay current with the latest research and emerging healthcare trends to provide high-quality evidence-based care. Critical appraisal, synthesis and translation of scientific evidence informs best practice.
• Healthcare Systems Knowledge: Graduate nursing students must understand the structure, policies, and functions of healthcare systems to enable them to navigate the complexities of patient care within different settings.

Developing Communication Skills

• Effective Verbal Communication: Graduate nurses must master the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, students, preceptors and the healthcare team. This includes active listening, providing patient education, and navigating sensitive discussions with compassion and clarity.
• Nonverbal Communication: Graduate nurses must recognize and effectively utilize body language, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues as important for building rapport and ensuring understanding. This is demonstrated by congruency between verbal communication and nonverbal expression, with consideration of diverse cultural mores.
• Documentation Skills: Graduate nurses must demonstrate proficient writing skills. This is necessary for accurate and thorough documentation of patient care, transitions of care, research, scholarship, and legal compliance.

Interpreting Data

• Clinical Data Analysis: Graduate nurses must be skilled in analyzing and synthesizing clinical data from various sources, including patient histories, diagnostic tests, and monitoring systems. This involves identifying patterns and anomalies that inform care decisions.
• Use of Technology: Graduate nurses must be familiar with electronic health records (EHRs) and data management systems, as well as adept at using technology to enhance data interpretation and patient care.
• Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: Graduate nurses must understand that the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data is important for making comprehensive clinical assessments and engaging in research activities.

Integrating Knowledge to Establish Clinical Judgement

• Holistic Assessment: Graduate nurses must be able to conduct thorough assessments that consider physical, psychological and socio-cultural factors affecting patient health. This holistic approach informs clinical judgment and decision-making.
• Application of Theoretical Knowledge: Graduate nurses must integrate knowledge from various disciplines (nursing, medicine, psychology, sociology, education) into clinical practice to make informed decisions that are patient-centered and evidence-based.
• Ethical and Legal Considerations: Graduate nurses must incorporate ethical principles and legal frameworks into clinical judgment to ensure that care decisions respect patient autonomy and adhere to professional standards.

Implementing and Evaluating Nursing Interventions

• Evidence-Based Practice: Graduate nurses must be able to select and implement interventions based on the most relevant and current evidence. This includes utilizing clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based protocols to inform their actions.
• Patient-Centered Care: Graduate nursing level care should be tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences of patients. This involves engaging patients in their plans of care and considering their values and beliefs.
• Outcome Evaluation: Graduate nurses must evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions. Graduate nurses must be skilled in assessing patient outcomes, adjusting plans of care as necessary, and using feedback to improve practice.

Incorporating Appropriate Professional Attitudes and Behaviors into Nursing Practice

• Professionalism: Graduate nurses are expected to demonstrate professionalism through reliability, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards. This includes maintaining patient confidentiality, advocating for patients’ rights and contributing to a safe, collegial workplace. Graduate nurses must uphold high standards of honesty, integrity, ethical behavior, and advocacy for the nursing profession as a whole within interdisciplinary teams.
• Compassion and Empathy: Graduate nurses must be committed to providing compassionate care. Graduate nurses must cultivate empathy and understanding to address the physical, psychological and socio-cultural needs of patients.
• Lifelong Learning and Adaptability: Graduate nurses must embrace a mindset of lifelong learning to adapt to the evolving healthcare environment. Graduate nurses should actively seek opportunities for professional development and be open to feedback and change.

Approved 8.6.2025