NR 509: Advanced Physical Assessment

Reflection Post Kayla Wilt Chamberlain College of Nursing NR 509: Advanced Physical Assessment Prior to taking this course, I thought of myself to be very proficient in obtaining information from a patient. Now that we are winding down in this course, I realize how much I have learned and gained. There were many weeks where I stressed more than ever because I just could not get to the bottom of the problem. Many times, I realized after submitting an assignment that I could have asked more or that I needed to change my diagnosis. I did not have to deal with SOAP notes very much in nursing school, nor do I have to perform them in my current profession. From this course, I have gained the proper skills to writing a thorough SOAP note, distinguishing differential diagnosis, and everything in between. All the practice performed during this course has helped me gain better understanding, knowledge and understanding of what will be expected along with what I will observe during the practicum. Reflect Upon Program Outcome (PO) 1 Over the past 8 weeks this course has allowed me to grow tremendously. Program Outcome (PO) 1 is to provide high quality, safe, patient-centered care grounded in holistic health principles. NR 509 Advanced Physical Assessment has given me the essential tools to achieve this outcome. This course has provided me with information on how to properly perform a complete history and physical, as well as a focused assessment. I have gained more confidence in speaking to a patient and asking them more personal questions. This course has taught me how to collect important data to collect information need to obtain a thorough history of the patient. Having the ability to obtain and process one’s history along with their chief complaint has allowed me to focus more on the patient and involve them more in their plan of care. Prior to taking this course, I was constantly thinking of the next correct question to ask instead of listening to what the patient had to say. I would automatically assume I knew was what ailing them and never investigate any further. Having the opportunity to work with a virtual simulator has given me the opportunity to work in the comfort of my own home while trying to find a “groove” of asking patients crucial assessment questions. There may not be hands-on with virtual simulation, but it allows one to see where to inspect, auscultate, percuss and palpate. This course has also given me the opportunity to learn how to properly chart/dictate on a patient’s chart. Using proper medical terminology makes referring a patient with their chart more professional. By using proper medical terminology, the referring medical provider will be able to know exactly where I was finding an “issue” and use my descriptive terms to understand what I was finding. This course has reminded me that even though we are trying to determine the cause of the patient’s issues, we need to treat them like a human being. They have outside issues occurring that do not just stop because they have fallen ill. Sometimes just listening to the patient’s outside problems can be all they need; an ear to listen. We may not know everyone’s background story prior to assessing them, but it is important to be willing to listen in order to effectively treat and care for our patients.