Physical Assessment Course

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Hello friends,

I'm looking to obtain employment in a hospital after working 6 months in long term care.

Some of the hospitals post a requirement of completing a physical assessment course, however I'm not sure where to go about finding one.

I'm located in the Ottawa Area/ Ontario, any advice is appreciated!

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Check Algonquin College Health Assessment for RN and RPNs.

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Do you have a Canadian BSN education? If so, the health assessment course would have been part of of your degree.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
Do you have a Canadian BSN education? If so, the health assessment course would have been part of of your degree.

I do, but what is required is a continuing education refresher course. It's along the same lines as getting an IV/ Venipuncture certificate...I learned it in school two years ago, but need the certificate to work in certain settings.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
Check Algonquin College Health Assessment for RN and RPNs.

I'll give them a call tomorrow about it, thanks!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Here's what I'm referring to:

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Specializes in geriatrics.

You have the assessment course already if you have a BSCN. Although the posting stipulates it, I haven't known any employer to expect that applicants take an additional course, unless you have been away from the workforce for an extended period.

I would review a textbook at most.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
You have the assessment course already if you have a BSCN. Although the posting stipulates it, I haven't known any employer to expect that applicants take an additional course, unless you have been away from the workforce for an extended period.

I would review a textbook at most.

Then why bother making it a separate requirement...? I guess I'll call HR and ask to clarify it.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I'm not sure why they would bother? Perhaps it's just the way the posting was written. I wouldn't spend time and money for a course like that. Check with HR.

I can understand if they are referring to specialty certification, not a course RNS already have.

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It won't hurt to take it again as a separate course, it will refresh your skills. I'm in Ontario and I do know employers who screen resumes with optical recognition software, the software screens resumes for the keywords listed in the required qualifications. If your resume does not contain the assessment skills course, it may not be seen by human eyes, it will just stay in cyber space.

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Specializes in Public Health.
Then why bother making it a separate requirement...? I guess I'll call HR and ask to clarify it.

Because some old PN programs lacked certain elements, such as medication administration (yep) and physical assessments. They were much more basic certificate programs (years ago) that were more along the lines of PSW programs. My old manager told me that, PNs with a certificate often needed to upgrade their education with additional courses that are now included as standard curriculum.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
Because some old PN programs lacked certain elements, such as medication administration (yep) and physical assessments. They were much more basic certificate programs (years ago) that were more along the lines of PSW programs. My old manager told me that, PNs with a certificate often needed to upgrade their education with additional courses that are now included as standard curriculum.

This position is for registered nurses, but I'm sure it's along the same thought process.

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