Nu333 Unit 10

The nursing process consists of six steps and they include assessment, diagnoses, identified outcomes, planning, implementing and finally evaluation. The assessment is a collection of data both subjective and objective; together with lab studies it forms a database (Jarvis, 2012). An organized assessment is the beginning of diagnostic reasoning. Since all of the care diagnosis, decisions, and treatments are based on the findings of an assessment it is vital that the assessment is both complete and accurate (Jarvis, 2012).

Throughout this course we built on my previous skills that I have learned through my Associate’s degree and work experience. In this course we looked in more detail while performing assessments of each system, the health history and also applied a holistic approach. Prior to this course I have never done an assessment of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and throat. With this class I have also learned what is normal or expected and what is abnormal and what else to look for.

I am very surprised with all the new information I have learned. With this course I feel as though I am more in tuned with my skills, and do not question my finding as I once have. Like any other new skill it needs to be continuously practiced in order to keep and improve. I would have to say that one of my colleagues who’s a more experienced nurse has said that since I took this course I seem more confident and knowledgeable. I have also shared my new learning with my co-workers.

In the end I feel as though this course has not only improved my assessment skills, but also the nurse I am. I have gained new knowledge that I am happy to apply to my practice, and will continue to work on them in order to provide the best care possible.

Reference:

Jarvis, C. (2012). Physical examination & health assessment (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier,

Saunders.