Nursing inherent requirements

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Nursing is a profession governed by practice standards, codes of ethics, professional conduct, and professional boundaries where nurses are both accountable and responsible for ensuring professional behaviour in all contexts. 

2 

Student demonstrates knowledge of and engages in ethical behaviour in practice.  

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: Compliance with the standards, codes, guidelines, and policies facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people with whom they engage. This supports the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of all. 

4 

Adjustments must ensure the standards, codes, guidelines, and policies are not compromised or result in unethical behaviour or risk to the public. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 

Demonstrating appropriate behaviour with confidential information in classroom and clinical settings.  

Demonstrate ability to reflect on ethical dilemmas and issues and take responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical behaviour. 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Behavioural stability is required to function and adapt effectively and sensitively in this role. 

2 

Student demonstrates behavioural stability to work constructively in a diverse and changing academic and clinical environment. 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in teams in changing and unpredictable environments. Nursing students will be exposed to emergency situations and human suffering and will be required to have behavioural stability to manage these events objectively and professionally. 

4 

Adjustments must support stable, effective, and professional behaviour in both academic and clinical settings. Nursing students must abide by the Enrolled Nurse Standards for Practice (2016). Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the relevant academic staff and Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive feedback. 
Monitoring and managing own emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with individuals in the workplace environments. 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Nursing practice is mandated by legislation to enable the safe delivery of care. 

2  

Student demonstrates knowledge and compliance with Australian Law, professional regulations, and scope of practice. 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Knowledge, understanding, and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements are necessary pre-requisites to clinical placements in order to reduce the risk of harm to self and others. 
Compliance with these professional regulations and the Australian Law ensures that students are both responsible and accountable for their practice. 

4 

Adjustments must be consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements, including Code of Conduct for nurses (2018), Enrolled Nurse Standards for Practice (2016), International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics (2021) NMBA Nurses, midwives and vaccination position statement (2016), and NSW Health Policy PD2023_022 Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases (2023). Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the relevant academic staff and Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Complying with the requirements for student registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). 
Complying with relevant child protection and safety legislation. 
Complying with vaccination requirements for verification to attend work placement. 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Effective verbal communication, in English, is an essential requirement to provide safe delivery of care. 

2 

Student demonstrates: 
Sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences 
The ability to understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner 
The ability to provide clear instructions in the context of the situation 
Timely clear feedback and reporting 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Communicating in a way that displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships. Communication may be restricted to verbal because of physical limitations of the individual (e.g. injury, disease, or congenital conditions). Speed and interactivity of communication may be critical for individual safety or treatment. 
Timely, accurate and effective delivery of instructions is critical to individual safety, treatment, and management. 

4 

Adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity, and accuracy issues to ensure safety and appropriate care. Nursing students must comply with the NMBA English Language Skills Registration Standard Policy (2019). Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Actively participating in tutorial, simulation, and clinical discussions. 
Demonstrate collaborative communication skills including influencing, networking, and teamwork in teaching and clinical settings. 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Effective non-verbal communication is fundamental to nursing and needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic, and non-judgmental. 

2 

Student demonstrates: 
The capacity to recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to behavioural cues 
Consistent and appropriate insight into and awareness of own behaviour 
Sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues assists with building rapport with people and gaining their trust and respect in academic and professional relationships. 
Displaying consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries and body movements and gestures promotes trust in academic and professional relationships. 
Being sensitive to individual and/or cultural differences displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships. 
The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues is essential for the safe and effective observation of patient symptoms and reactions to facilitate the assessment and treatment of patients. 

4 

Adjustments must enable the recognition, initiation, or appropriate response of effective non-verbal communication in a timely and appropriate manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Recognising and responding appropriately in classroom situations 
Recognising and responding appropriately to cues in the clinical environment 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Effective written communication, in English, is a fundamental nursing responsibility with professional and legal ramifications. 

2  

Student demonstrates the capacity to construct coherent written communication appropriate to the circumstances. 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Construction of written text-based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards are necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter for professional practice. 
Accurate written communication, including record-keeping and patient notes, is vital to provide consistent and safe patient care. 

4 

Adjustments must meet necessary standards of clarity, accuracy, and accessibility to ensure effective recording and transmission of information in both academic and clinical settings. Nursing students must comply with the NMBA English Language Skills Registration Standard Policy (2019). Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Constructing an essay to academic standards 
Constructing a nursing report in a timely manner that meets professional standards 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Consistent knowledge and effective cognitive skills must be demonstrated to provide safe and competent nursing care. 

2 

Student demonstrates: 
The capacity to locate appropriate and relevant information 
The ability to process information relevant to practice 
The ability to integrate and implement knowledge in practice  

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Safe and effective delivery of nursing care is based on comprehensive knowledge that must be sourced, understood, and applied appropriately 

4 

Adjustments must ensure that a clear demonstration of knowledge and cognitive skills is not compromised or impeded. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Ability to conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items 
Applying knowledge of policy and procedures in the clinical setting 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Competent literacy skills are essential to provide safe and effective delivery of care. 

2 

Student demonstrates: 
The ability to acquire information and accurately convey appropriate, effective messages 
The ability to read and comprehend a range of literature and information 
The capacity to understand and implement academic conventions to construct written text in a scholarly manner 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
The ability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages is fundamental to ensure safe and effective assessment, treatment, and delivery of care 
The ability to read, decode, interpret, and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental for the safe and effective delivery of nursing care 

4 

Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply, and communicate accurate information. Nursing students must comply with the NMBA English Language Skills Registration Standard Policy (2019). Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). If you would like more information on Inherent Requirements email uowc-vocational@uow.edu.au

5 

Exemplars: 
Demonstrates the ability to listen to information 
Demonstrates the ability to convey a spoken message accurately 
Demonstrates ability to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions 
Demonstrates accurate, concise, and clear nursing documentation 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Competent and accurate numeracy skills are essential for safe and effective care. 

2  

Student demonstrates the ability to interpret and correctly apply data, measurements, and numerical criteria. 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Competent application of numeracy skills is essential in nursing to facilitate the safe and effective delivery of nursing care and medications. 

4 

Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to interpret and apply concepts and processes appropriately in a timely, accurate and effective manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Performing accurate drug calculations 
Demonstrating accurate recording on a fluid balance chart 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Adequate visual acuity is required to provide safe and effective nursing care. 

2 

Student demonstrates sufficient visual acuity to perform the required range of skills. 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Sufficient visual acuity is necessary to demonstrate the required range of skills, tasks, and assessments to maintain consistent, accurate and safe care of self and to others. 
Visual observations, examination and assessment are fundamental to safe and effective nursing practice. 

4 

Adjustments must address the need to perform the full range of tasks involved in clinical practice. Any strategies to address the effects of the vision impairment must be effective, consistent, and not compromise treatment or safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Accurately drawing up medication to administer 
Observing and detecting subtle changes in wounds 
Reading charts and orders where small details can impact patient safety 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Auditory ability is required to provide safe and effective nursing care. 

2 

Student demonstrates sufficient aural function to undertake the required range of skills 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Sufficient auditory ability is necessary to monitor, assess and manage an individual’s health needs consistently and accurately 
Auditory assessments and observations are fundamental to safe and effective nursing practice 

4 

Adjustments must address the need to perform the full range of tasks involved in clinical practice. Any strategies to address the effects of the hearing loss must be effective, consistent, and not compromise treatment or safety. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Accurately undertaking a blood pressure measurement by auscultation 
Detecting care request by activation of call bell or calls for help 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Sufficient tactile ability is required to perform competent and safe nursing care. 

2 

Student demonstrates adequate tactile function sufficient to undertake the required range of skills and assessments. 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Sufficient tactile ability is necessary to monitor, assess and detect patients’ physical characteristics and act on any abnormalities detected to provide thorough nursing care. 
Tactile assessments and observations are fundamental to safe and effective nursing practice. 

4 

Adjustments must have the capacity to make effective assessments of physical characteristics and abnormalities within safe time frames. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Detecting any changes in circulation observations e.g. temperature and pulse palpation 
Conducting a physical assessment and detecting any anatomical abnormalities 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Nursing involves physical demands and requires gross motor function. 

2 

Student demonstrates the ability to perform gross motor skills to function within scope of practice. 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Sufficient gross motor skills are necessary to perform, coordinate and prioritise care. Tasks that involve gross motor skills include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, twisting, and bending. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others. 

4 

Adjustments should facilitate functional effectiveness, safety of self and others and a capacity to provide appropriate care. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Maintaining balance while safely mobilising and transferring individuals or resources 
Able to safely retrieve and utilise stock and equipment 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Nursing is a profession that requires manual dexterity and fine motor skills. 

2 

Student demonstrates the ability to use fine motor skills to provide safe effective care. 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Sufficient fine motor skills are necessary to perform, coordinate and prioritise care. Tasks that involve fine motor skills include being able to grasp, press, push, turn, squeeze, and manipulate various objects and individuals. Students must be able to demonstrate and perform these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others. 

4 

Adjustments should facilitate functional effectiveness, safety to self and others and a capacity to provide appropriate care. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Performing an aseptic wound dressing 
Able to prime, accurately insert and set prescribed rate on an infusion device 

Level 

Inherent requirements statements 

1 

Nursing practice requires both physical and mental performance at a consistent and sustained level. 

2 

Student demonstrates: 
Consistent and sustained level of physical energy to complete a specific task in a timely manner and over time. The ability to perform repetitive activities with a level of concentration that ensures a capacity to focus on the activity until it is completed appropriately. 
The capacity to maintain consistency and quality of performance throughout the designated period of time. 

3 

Justification of inherent requirement: 
Sufficient physical and mental endurance is an essential requirement needed to perform multiple tasks in an assigned period to provide safe and effective care. 

4 

Adjustments must ensure that performance is consistent and sustained over a given period. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with the Student Accessibility and Inclusion Team (SAIT). 

5 

Exemplars: 
Participating in tutorials, lectures, skills 
Provide consistent care over a negotiated time frame