LAI417 - Advanced Assessment Program
This comprehensive eight-module clinical assessment training program equips nurses and healthcare professionals with evidence-based techniques to perform thorough, accurate patient evaluations across multiple body systems. Each module emphasizes best practices, interpretation of normal and abnormal findings, and timely clinical decision-making based on nursing judgment and when to escalate care. Designed by experts from the University of Iowa College of Nursing and other industry leaders, the program enhances competency, promotes patient safety, and supports high-quality outcomes in diverse care settings.
Upon completion of each module, participants will complete a knowledge assessment as well as on overall competency evaluation at the end of the program. Once the participant has successfully completed the competency evaluation, a certificate of completion will be issued.
Advanced Assessment Program
This comprehensive eight-module clinical assessment training program equips nurses and healthcare professionals with evidence-based techniques to perform thorough, accurate patient evaluations across multiple body systems. Each module emphasizes best practices, interpretation of normal and abnormal findings, and timely clinical decision-making based on nursing judgment and when to escalate care. Designed by experts from the University of Iowa College of Nursing and other industry leaders, the program enhances competency, promotes patient safety, and supports high-quality outcomes in diverse care settings.
Upon completion of each module, participants will complete a knowledge assessment as well as an overall competency evaluation at the end of the program. Once the participant has successfully completed the competency evaluation, a certificate of completion will be issued.
Program Highlights
- Eight focused clinical assessment modules covering major body systems and patient presentations.
- Emphasis on recognizing normal vs. abnormal findings and appropriate escalation of care.
- Developed by University of Iowa College of Nursing experts and industry leaders.
- Includes knowledge checks per module and a final competency evaluation with certificate of completion.
Modules
| Code & Title | Duration | Instructors | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAI417a - Cardiac Assessment | 25 minutes | Holly Lear and Kimberly Bergen-Jackson, University of Iowa College of Nursing |
Learn the standards of practice for evaluating cardiac function, including anatomy review of the heart, chambers, valves, and vascular structures. Participants will identify normal and abnormal findings and recognize critical indicators requiring immediate practitioner notification such as signs of a myocardial infarction. |
| LAI417b - Head, Face & Neck Assessment | 28 minutes | Holly Lear, PhD MPH RN LNHA, University of Iowa College of Nursing |
This module provides a systematic approach to assessing the head, face, and neck integrating subjective and objective data. Topics include lymphatic system evaluation, thyroid gland assessment, and differentiation of normal versus abnormal findings, with guidance on appropriate clinical responses. |
| LAI417c - Mental Health, Cognition, and Behavioral Assessment | 40 minutes |
Holly Lear, PhD MPH RN LNHA, University of Iowa College of Nursing Emily Griffin, DNP ARNP FNP-C, University of Iowa College of Nursing Shalome Tonelli, PhD RN, University of Iowa College of Nursing |
Explore best practices for assessing mental health, cognition, and behavior. Participants will learn to apply standardized tools for detecting cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression while evaluating appearance, mood, and behavioral indicators to support early intervention. |
| LAI417d - Neurological Assessment | 39 minutes | Holly Lear, PhD MPH RN LNHA, University of Iowa College of Nursing |
Gain proficiency in conducting a neurological examination, including vital signs, level of consciousness, cranial nerve testing, pupil response, motor strength, and reflexes. The module also introduces key signs and symptoms associated with dementia for early recognition. |
| LAI417e - Respiratory Assessment | 26 minutes | Holly Lear, PhD MPH RN LNHA, University of Iowa College of Nursing |
Master the four essential steps of respiratory evaluation: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Participants will learn to identify abnormal breath sounds and correlate findings with potential underlying disease processes. |
| LAI417f - Bowel and Bladder Assessment | 27 minutes | Kellie Van Ree, RN LNHA DNS-CT, LeadingAge Illinois/Iowa |
Review normal anatomy and common age-related changes affecting bowel and bladder function. The module emphasizes distinguishing normal from abnormal findings and determining when routine or urgent physician notification is warranted. |
| LAI417g - Abdominal Assessment | 25 minutes | Holly Lear, PhD MPH RN LNHA, University of Iowa College of Nursing |
Develop a structured approach to abdominal assessment, including quadrant identification and systematic use of inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation techniques to detect abnormalities. |
| LAI417h - Assessing Extremities, Skin, Hair, and Nails | 37 minutes |
Kellie Van Ree, RN LNHA DNS-CT, LeadingAge Illinois/Iowa Deb Martin, RN BSN IP, VGM & CE Solutions |
Learn comprehensive evaluation techniques for extremities, skin, scalp, and nails. This module includes a detailed review of wound assessments in older adults, covering etiology and evidence-based standards for clinical documentation and care planning. |
Note: Successful completion of all module knowledge checks and the final competency evaluation is required to receive the certificate of completion.
| Language | English |
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