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Shin, Kim, and Kang: Use of Physical Assessment Skills and Education Needs of Advanced Practice Nurses and Nurse Specialists
Original Article
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2009; 39(5): 709-719.

Published online: 31 October 2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2009.39.5.709

Use of Physical Assessment Skills and Education Needs of Advanced Practice Nurses and Nurse Specialists

Hyunsook Shin1, Bog-Ja Kim2, Hee Sun Kang3

1Assistant Professor, College of Nursing Science East-West Nursing Research Institute, KyungHee University, Korea.

2Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Korea.

3Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Kang, Hee Sun. Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 221 Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 156-756, Korea. Tel: 82-2-820-5699, Fax: 82-2-824-7961, goodcare@cau.ac.kr

Received 13 April 2009       Accepted 18 September 2009

Copyright © 2009 Korean Society of Nursing Science

Abstract

Purpose

The study was done to investigate physical assessment skills used by, and educational needs of, advanced practice nurses (APNs) and nurse specialists in Korea.

Methods

A total of 123 APNs and nurse specialists working in five major hospitals in Seoul were surveyed from July 15 to August 20, 2007.

Results

Fourteen skills out of 126 items were reported as being performed on a regular basis by participants. The majority of these skills involved general observation. Forty-six skills were rarely used. Some participants showed a lack of confidence in certain assessment skills, such as in doing a rectal or pelvic exam, and the use of some assessment equipment. Over 90% of participants required in-depth education on health assessment provided by specialists or nursing professional organizations.

Conclusion

More educational opportunities in physical assessment should be provided including education programs based on the nurses' skill levels and needs. This effort will help to increase confidence of APNs and nurse specialists in physical assessment skills, ultimately resulting in better nursing outcomes.

Keywords: Professional practice, Nurses, Physical examination, Education

Figures and Tables

Table 1
General and Work-related Characteristics of Participants (N=123)
jkan-39-709-i001

APN=advanced practice nurse.

Table 2
Physical Assessment Skills Used on a Regular Basis (N=123)
jkan-39-709-i002

*Items added when additional analysis by specialty was performed.

PA=physician assistant; CNS=clinical nurse specialist; APN=advanced practice nurse; CN=cranial nerve.

Table 3
Physical Assessment Skills Rarely Used (N=123)
jkan-39-709-i003

CN=cranial nerve; HEENT=head, eye, ear, nose and throat.

Table 4
Physical Assessment Areas Which Respondents Do Not Know How to Perform (N=123)
jkan-39-709-i004

PA=physician assistant; CNS=clinical nurse specialist; APN=advanced practice nurse.

Table 5
Needs for In-Depth Education
jkan-39-709-i005

*Multiple response; HEENT=head, eye, ear, nose and throat; MRI=magnetic resonance imaging.

Notes

This work was supported by the 2007 Kyunghee University Research Grant (Khu-20071404).

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