Health assessment was the foundation of my nursing practice and the clinical reasoning process. This unit complemented the unit Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professionals by providing an opportunity for me to apply knowledge of the scientific foundations of human health to the core nursing skill of health assessment (observation, interview, measurement, physical examination). The foundational skills I learned in this unit were further developed as I extended my knowledge of disease concepts in Pathophysiology for Health Professionals.
see https://www.qut.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-nursing for full unit information
Learning outcomes
Apply knowledge of the key NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Nursing Practice and National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards related to health assessment and documentation.
Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to identify normal and abnormal health parameters, and actual and potential health problems across the lifespan.
Use clinical reasoning skills and knowledge of health assessment to recognise patterns of acute deterioration to facilitate safe person-centred care.
Apply professional communication skills to undertake effective health assessments and engage with self-reflective practices.
Apply digital and academic literacy skills to locate and integrate relevant evidence to inform practice.
Projects
Project One
Critique.
I critiqued a simulated health assessment and answered a range of evaluative questions related to normal parameters of health assessment. I provided examples of communication strategies and capabilities required in an effective health assessment.
Project Two
Reflection.
I undertook an observation of a simulated video recorded health assessment. Following this observation, I reflected upon the assessment techniques undertaken during this health assessment and considered my role in health assessment as a student nurse and a beginning practitioner.
Project Three
Simulation.
I undertook a simulated health assessment during a scheduled clinical practice session and used critical thinking to interpret assessment findings. The simulation underpinned my reflection upon health assessment practice. The simulated health assessment was required to be video-recorded, and a link to the recording was submitted along with my written assessment.
Overall Grading
Mark: 65
Grade: 5
Grade Description: Credit