ABSTRACT
Competent physical assessment skills are fundamental to all nursing specialties. The primary survey is a format used to systematically assess a patient for immediately life-threatening factors while simultaneously completing lifesaving treatment interventions. If no life-threatening factors are identified that require immediate action, a clinical examination incorporating history and physical assessment can be undertaken. Information gained from patient history and physical assessment determines an appropriate nursing management plan for the patient. Accurate, readable and relevant documentation is critical to optimal care delivery in the clinical environment. The two most common structures for care delivery in Australia are currently primary nursing and team nursing. Although new to the clinical environment, as a new graduate nurse you may have to delegate a work task to another clinician during a shift. Graduates often feel uncomfortable doing this; however, the ability to delegate tasks appropriately is an important skill to master.
