Comparing the frequency of physical examination techniques performed by associate and baccalaureate degree prepared nurses in clinical practice: does education make a difference?
Rapid changes in health care have underscored the need for reform in health professions education, including nursing education. One of many problems cited in the nursing and other health sciences education literature is overcrowded curricula; therefore, an evaluation of content is necessary. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist in the frequency that physical examination techniques are performed by associate and baccalaureate degree prepared nurses. Participants completed a survey on performance of various physical examination techniques. A Mann-Whitney test showed no differences between the two groups in terms of frequency of techniques performed. A small negative correlation was found between frequency and years of experience with the nutrition assessment category. A comparison of physical examination content covered in baccalaureate and associate degree nursing programs is needed to further understand these findings.
College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131-0001, USA. jgiddens@salud.unm.edu
Jean
J
Giddens
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D004507:Education, Nursing, Associate / Q000592:standards*; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000592:standards*; D004522:Educational Status; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing* / Q000592:standards; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015206:Southwestern United States; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors