Situation Assessed

This might sound like a no-brainer, but performing professional nursing assessments is one of the basic skills a nurse will use on the job every. single. day... whether it's asking the patient about themselves directly, getting info from their family or friends, or digging up background data from their past medical records.  


(FYI:  the data is considered subjective if it is from the actual verbal descriptions about the health condition directly from the patient/client.  The data is objective if it's a second-hand account observation or some type of direct measurement (like one's blood pressure) used to describe a patient's health condition... but, you knew that already, right?)

So, if you're not comfortable approaching and speaking with other people about their past medical history and what types of medical issues they are currently experiencing...  what are you doing in nursing school?!  
Aw, just kidding--  I, for one, believe that public speaking can be learned.  I think with practice, experience, and the more you build up your knowledge base to learn to understand the difference between "normal" and "abnormal" conditions, the more comfortable and easy these types of situations will be.   Here's a few links that may help with speaking with others:

• ToastMasters :  Non-profit organization developing public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback in local clubs since 1924. 
• Public Speaking Tips from MIT
• Tips from HowStuffWorks

The assessment part is just the 1st step in the Nursing Process.  Together, this process is a scientific way to approach a health issue or condition and to find the best individual response for each patient.  This, too, shall become second nature once it's been thoroughly practiced and we've all been thrown in the fire...  so to speak.

I'll close with some other considerations on performing the nursing assessment:

• Consider the environment & surroundings so the client is comfortable
• Be on time, organized, and well-prepared about the task at hand
• Look professional: Neatly Dressed, Groomed, and (preferably!) with a Smile
• Be aware of verbal communication: Volume, Tone, Pronunciation, Speed,...
• Be aware of non-verbal communication: Posture, Eye Contact, Expressions...
• Be attentive & take time to really listen to what they are trying to tell you
• Allow time for the patient to ask questions