Holistic Assessment in Professional Nursing

This course prepares the learner to assess in depth the biopsychosocial health status of clients across the lifespan. Learners will learn to obtain a complete and accurate health history, perform a systematic physical examination, and learn techniques to complete a holistic health assessment across the lifespan, within a framework for clinical decision making. Acquired data will be used to formulate a comprehensive problem list for the client and to refine documentation skills. Content will be designed to provide correlation of assessment strategies with an understanding of the mechanisms of illness and health problems of the main body systems. Health and wellness in the context of disability will be addressed. This course assists in the socialization of the learner into the role of the clinical nurse leader or nurse educator in the current healthcare delivery system.