Advanced Health Assessment

PG2018 · Aug 20, 2014

My course was a bit intimidating in that it required the student to essentially memorize a 22 page document and fully demonstrate all of the many advanced assessment techniques involved in front of faculty, on camera, and within 45 minutes.

Frankly, many of the techniques were uninteresting and something I would never employ, moreover I don't remember half of them. Nonetheless, it is doable as I and all of the others in my cohort passed it. Such a feat requires dedication, persistent, and commitment - all of which are time consuming for students particularly those with family and careers. Do it, move on, and stick another feather in your hat.

apostolic4eva · Aug 20, 2014

Much appreciated. Thanks for the response.

allnurses Guide · Aug 21, 2014

This is your most important course, at least for your first few years of practice. You need to be able to do a full or focused assessment and identify normal from abnormal. It can literally be the difference between life or significant morbidity/mortality.

You may not use every system every day but you need to know how to perform each maneuver/assessment to practice quality primary care.

One of the best things you can do, IMHO, is find a full assessment and write yourself a script talking it through. Then talk and do the actions as you go.

Juliefin, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Sep 4, 2014

What textbook are you using? If it's not Bates I would recommend getting a copy and reading it.

apostolic4eva · Sep 4, 2014

Yes, Bates. A good read indeed. Thanks.