(Podcast) Advanced Nursing Assessment

Episode 1 defines nursing process and presents a short overview of the components and phases of nursing process. It explains the content of a comprehensive nursing assessment form and how to structure and record data collection. The five key activities of assessment will be further explained.

Episode 2 continues by emphasising on the skills required by nurses in performing nursing assessment. Six components of skills are identified to be applied during the five phases of assessment.

Episode 3 discusses another important part in assessment which is psychosocial and spiritual assessment. Relevant components and techniques that are useful for these assessments conclude this topic.

Episode 4 focuses on the components and techniques for physical examination. This episode also includes physical examination of some of the selected body system.

Episode 5 focuses on the formation of a nursing care plan from identification of nursing diagnosis to planning, implementation and evaluating nursing interventions. It also emphasises the point that the entire plan of care depends on the accuracy and completeness of assessment. Selected formats for reporting and recording progress report are also considered in this topic.

Episode 6 integrates the various dimensions of the nursing process into practice. Documentations of different kinds of nursing records are discussed. Various examples of related charts and formats are given too. The accuracy of these records is made essential for the effectiveness nursing care and management.

Episode 7 highlights the types of nursing knowledge as it relates to nursing practice. The types and sources of knowledge to support nursing performances are exclusively discussed.

Episode 8 recognises the importance of critical thinking. The role of critical thinking is explored and suggestions are given on how to integrate thinking into nursing process. Since assessment is only as good as the nurse who performs it well, the final section focuses on the skills that can contribute to a comprehensive assessment.

Episode 9 describes today's trend of the essential clinical approaches to health care delivery which is Clinical Pathways. It examines the thorough utilisation of the method and identifies its benefits to the patients, clinicians/practitioners and the healthcare managers.

Episode 10 discusses more about the patient assessment skill.