A meaningful health assessment course for baccalaureate nursing students

In response to the challenge of teaching health assessment to large groups of entry-level BSN students with minimal experience in the health professions and a faculty belief that theory and practice are best actualized with small groups, a new health assessment course was implemented. Based on a philosophy of student accountability and self-direction in learning, faculty willingness to try new teaching strategies, and using computer testing, a successful course was developed. Students rotated through specific small group clinical labs while preparing with textbooks, study questions, videotapes, and computer-assisted instruction. Evaluation methods based on case application and the use of computer testing technology were implemented for this course. The result was increased satisfaction for the faculty and the students with enhanced application experiences supportive of the clinical practice.