PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of a nursing program from an accredited school of nursing and a current Registered Nurse license in good standing. This course builds upon the Registered Nurse’s fundamental knowledge and skills of health assessment. In utilizing a systematic approach, the student will develop a holistic approach in assessing the patient across the lifespan. Upon completion, the student will show competency in obtaining a thorough health history and becoming efficient in the physical skills of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Differences between normal and abnormal findings will be explored and appropriate documentation of findings will be stressed. Students will also be exposed to the cultural differences in health and will incorporate evidence based approaches to assessment.