Physical assessment techniques in nursing education: A replicated study

Background: It has been nearly a decade since findings revealed that a sample of U.S. nurses routinely used only 30 physical assessment techniques in clinical practice. In a time of differentiating nice-to-know from need-to-know knowledge and skills, what has changed in nursing education? Method: This cross-sectional, descriptive study examines the physical assessment skills taught and used among nursing students at one baccalaureate nursing education program located in the midwestern United States. Results: Findings highlight the similarities and differences from previous studies and offer insight as to how closely nursing education mirrors the skills needed for clinical practice. Conclusion: Nurse educators must continue to discriminate content taught in prelicensure nursing education programs and should consider the attainment of competency of those essential skills that most lend to optimal patient outcomes.