Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements, Technical Standards & Essential Skills

 

Physical Requirements

The following are the Standard Physical Requirements for working in the clinical environment as a student in the Health Professions Programs at Grossmont College. These requirements were established as a result of a survey of clinical affiliates that provide training to Health Professions students. If you cannot meet these requirements, please contact the appropriate office to discuss the matter.

 

Lift While Standing:  Light to Moderate - Less than 50 pounds - Frequent

 

Lift While Sitting:  Light - Under 25 pounds - Frequent

 

Lift With Assistance:  Heavy - Over 50 pounds (Patient Transfer, etc.) - Occasionally/Frequently

 

Pushing:  Heavy - Over 50 pounds - Frequent

 

Pulling:  Heavy - Over 50 pounds - Frequent

 

Reaching:  (Full Extension - Elbow Flexion) At shoulder level - Occasional/Frequent

 

Standing for extended periods:  Frequent

 

Standing for extended periods with radiation protective device:  (CVT Invasive Track) - Frequent

 

Sitting for prolonged periods:  Frequent

 

Walking:  (Moderate distances within clinical environment) - Frequent

 

Carrying:  Light to Moderate - Less than 50 pounds - Occasional

 

Bending:  Occasional

 

Stooping:  Occasional

 

Kneeling:  Occasional

 

Turning:  Frequently

 

Hand Manipulation:  (Hand controls, simple grasping, power grasping, fine manipulation) - Frequently

 

Foot Controls:  Frequent

 

Visual Requirements:  Ability to observe alarms, indicators, patients and the public. Ability to

recognize and respond to safety issues

 

Auditory Requirements:  Ability to hear and understand orders from a physician or supervising technologist. Ability to hear safety alarms and respond appropriately

 

Technical Standards & Essential Skills

A candidate for graduation from the CVT Program must demonstrate the skills and abilities required to function as a CVT and provide for patient safety. These skills and abilities have been defined by the national credentialing organization CCI. The following is a representative list of these essential skills, with or without accommodation, expected of students enrolled in the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology program.

 

 I. Communication Skills

1. Effective verbal and nonverbal communication with patients, physicians, nurses and other health professionals. For example:
   1. Reporting on patient progress/status.
   2. Instruction of patients for procedures/patient education.

 Effective, legibly written communication. For example:

1. 1. Progress notes in the patients' medical record.
   2. Documenting patient data on flow sheets and charts (entering numbers in small boxes on department forms).
   3. Written case studies and reports.

 Basic computer skills. For example:

1. 1. Data entry pertaining to patient procedures.
   2. Order entry for department management.

 II. Conceptual and Analytical Reasoning

1. Apply didactic knowledge effectively in the clinical setting. For example:
   1. Recognizing potential adverse effects of procedures and responding with the appropriate intervention(s).
2. Exercise good judgment in problem-solving.

 III. Social Skills

1. Demonstrates respect and caring for all patients.
2. Demonstrates sensitive responses to patients in clinical settings.
3. Interacts with peers, patients, staff and faculty in an emotionally stable, professional and ethical manner.
4. Respects diversity of cultures among clinical patients, college personnel and peers.
5. Demonstrates team approach in carrying out responsibilities in all settings.

 IV. Manual Dexterity and Motor Skills

1. Demonstrate the ability to maintain aseptic and sterile techniques. For example:
   1. Scrub hands, don gloves, gown and mask.
2. Demonstrate the ability to maintain aseptic technique while performing procedures.
3. Adjust/fine tune analog, digital and computer-based controls on electrical equipment.

 V. Other Physical Skills

1. Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
2. Physically support an adult in a pivot transfer.
3. Lift an adult in a two-person lift.
4. Lift objects up to 30 pounds. For example: oxygen cylinders up to size "E"; wear lead apron (approximately 10 lbs.) up to one hour during procedures.
5. Carry out emergency procedures such as CPR and patient evacuation.

 VI. Observation and Sensory Skills

1. Demonstrate appropriate visual acuity. For example:
   1. Accurately interpret analog and digital gauges, monitors and pressure manometers.
   2. Perform assessment of the patient (skin color, posture, work of breathing, etc.)
   3. Calibrate monitoring devices.
2. Demonstrate appropriate auditory acuity
   1. Recognizing and responding to alarms.
   2. Using stethoscope for blood pressure measurement.

 

 

 

Related Resources

Health Professions Preview Meeting