Graduates must have the knowledge and skills to

• adapt communication methods to patients with special needs, e.g., sensory or psychological disabilities

• provide relevant and sensitive health education information and counseling to patients

• perform a holistic assessment of the individual across the lifespan, including a health history that includes spiritual, social, cultural, and psychological assessment, as well as a comprehensive exam

• assess physical, cognitive, and social functional ability of the individual in all developmental stages, with particular attention to changes due to aging

• provide teaching, and emotional and physical support in preparation for therapeutic procedures

• foster strategies for health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention across the life span

• assess and manage physical and psychological symptoms related to disease and treatment

• anticipate, plan for, and manage physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of the patient and family/caregiver

• demonstrate sensitivity to personal and cultural influences on the individual’s reactions to the illness experience and end of life

• coordinate and manage care to meet the special needs of vulnerable populations, including the frail elderly, in order to maximize independence and quality of life

• coordinate the health care of individuals across the lifespan utilizing principles and knowledge of interdisciplinary models of care delivery and case management

• understand how human behavior is affected by culture, race, religion, gender, lifestyle, and age

• provide holistic care that addresses the needs of diverse populations across the lifespan

• understand the effects of health and social policies on persons from diverse backgrounds

• recognize the need for and implement risk-reduction strategies to address social and public health issues, including societal and domestic violence, family abuse, sexual abuse, and substance abuse

SOURCE: AACN, 1998.