Introduction to Health Assessment

2. The Role of the Nurse in Assessment

The role of the nurse has changed drastically over the years. The importance of assessment can be traced to the beginning of modern nursing. Florence Nightingale (1859) stressed the importance of observation and experience as essential in maintaining or restoring one’s state of health. The scope of assessment has also expanded from simple observation to a holistic view of the patient that includes biophysical, psychosocial, developmental, and cultural assessments. Therefore, major roles are firstly direct and indirect caregiving, such as restore health for ill patients; assist patients and family to cope with disability and as a designers/ coordinators/ manager of care. Then advocate for the patient and the profession. For example, patient’s safety; communicates patient’s needs; identifies side effects of treatment and finds better options; help patients understand their diseases and treatments.

Besides, nurses take responsibility to protect the legal and ethical rights of patients based on professional values: Altruism (unselfishness); Human dignity; Autonomy; Integrity and Social justice. Lastly, professional nursing practice is grounded in best practice, critical inquiry and skilled questioning that involve research. Knowledge of patient care technologies and information systems is essential in the management of care through health assessment.