Course Information

The course is designed to help the nurse acquire the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to perform a complete health assessment irrespective of the population group being served. Students will review methods of obtaining and documenting a holistic assessment including a health history, physical, and psychosocial assessments. There will also be a review of screening tools used for assessing domestic violence, mental and nutritional status, functional assessment, and pain. Students will review the difference between subjective and objective data collection and will also review how to recognize and document normal and abnormal findings in the various systems of the body. Changes in practice and emerging trends in the health care sector is highlighted throughout the text. Students will review the importance of effective communication skills during a patient interview and the value of incorporating cultural competency and care in their daily interaction with patients.