Assessing Each Other??!??

[FutureMaleOhioNurse]

I have read in these forums that there are many schools that, when taking Health Assessment, the nursing students practice on each other! Is this true? I figured that assessment would take place during clinicals, in an appropriate place. I find it ridiculous. . . We are living in an age where health science technology and education can offer REAL alternatives (i.e. a life size maniquin). I find assessing each other in nursing school is both unprofessional and "ghetto" - for lack of a better word. Seriously, I am comfortable with my body, but come on! Wouldn't it be awkward to assess and/or practice on a fellow student? Also, I heard that some nursing school students practice inserting IVs and nasalgastric tubes on each other. Is this also true?!?! Maybe I'm mistaking the word "assessment." Enlighten me...I'm attending nursing school this fall. I mean, if WE HAVE TO, I will, but...anyway...

[Jenngirl34RN]

A huge portion of assessment is asking questions, and that is sort of impossible to do with a mannequin. In my program we practiced on each other, but were not required to remove clothing. Even though it is not what you would ever do in real practice, we were just asked to wear a thin tank top or t-shirt and just used the stethoscope on top of the shirt. We just worked around bras as much as possible. We were all told we did not have to lift up our shirts for abdominal assessment if we were uncomfortable, but everyone did it and it was no big deal. The whole goal was more to go through it all with an actual person who can participate.