Newly graduated nurses use and further development of assessment skills—An in-depth qualitative study

Abstract

Aims: To explore in-depth nurses' use and further development of assessment skills in different nursing contexts in the first 2 years after graduation, and factors that influenced their use and development of assessment skills. Design: The study had explorative qualitative design. Methods: Eight nurses who previously had been interviewed about their learning of physical assessment skills in clinical rotation as students participated in this follow-up study. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted, where the nurses spoke freely about their experiences after graduation. Results: Four prominent features influencing the nurses' use and development of assessment skills were identified: (a) assessment approaches and readiness for practice, (b) the primacy of communication, (c) recognition related to performing assessments, and (d) the influence of organizational factors on their assessment applications. Conclusion: Newly graduated nurses' use of assessment skills is an important part of providing holistic care. This study suggest that assessment skills is not only an assessment task but is central in relationship building and in supporting the professional development of nursing competence.