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Advanced nursing practice: an introduction to physical assessment
C I Price1, S W Han, I A Rutherford
1Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Newcastle University.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|September 25, 2002
Summary
Nurses face increased responsibility for acute patient care due to changing healthcare roles. This article explores clinical expertise development and presents a physical assessment framework to support nurses in their evolving, high-stress positions.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Clinical Management
- Healthcare Systems
Background:
- Healthcare reforms shift acute patient assessment and management responsibilities to nurses.
- Current nursing education (nursing process) may not fully prepare nurses for expanded roles.
- Increased nurse responsibility heightens risks of stress and legal accountability without adequate support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the theory of clinical expertise acquisition in nursing.
- To present a framework designed to enhance nurses' physical assessment skills.
- To address the challenges faced by nurses in managing acutely ill patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on clinical expertise development.
- Description of a proposed physical assessment framework.
- Discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of advanced nursing practice.
Main Results:
- The article outlines theoretical concepts relevant to developing clinical expertise.
- A practical framework for physical assessment is detailed.
- The need for supportive structures for nurses in advanced roles is highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Nurses require enhanced skills and theoretical understanding to manage acutely ill patients effectively.
- A structured physical assessment framework can support nurses in their expanded clinical roles.
- Addressing support systems is crucial to mitigate stress and legal risks for nurses.