Practical Nursing

Assessing patients is part of a nurse’s professional practice to keep patient’s safe and improve a patient’s health outcomes. According to the College of Nurses of Ontario, a nursing assessment is a process where a nurse gathers, organizes and analyzes a patient’s health information using evidence informed tools to learn about a patient’s health, symptoms and concerns. This includes taking into account the patient’s biological, social, psychological, cultural and spiritual values and beliefs.

What is included in a nursing assessment?

• Environmental assessment
• Cultural assessment
• Physical assessment
• Psychological assessment
• Safety assessment
• Psychosocial assessment

What should a nurse consider when determining an assessment?

• A theory, framework or evidence-based tool should be used when describing the patients’ situation
• Consult the patient and other members of the health care team to create a patient-centered care plan
• Reflect on their practice every day to determine their learning needs

From: College of Nurses of Ontario