Bedside Assessment Skills

Physical Assessment (Basic & Advanced)

Build a strong foundation in head‑to‑toe assessment, then advance to focused and complex clinical assessments to support safe nursing judgment.

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Duration

2 Days (Basic Day 1, Advanced Day 2)

Format

In‑Person + Skills Lab

Audience

RNs, RPNs, Nursing Students

Certificate

VICE Certificate of Completion

Tuition

$250 CAD / day
$450 CAD both days

Location

GTA Campuses

Learning Outcomes — Basic

Perform a structured head‑to‑toe physical assessment

Use inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation appropriately

Identify normal vs. abnormal findings across major systems

Document assessment findings clearly and concisely

Communicate key assessment concerns using SBAR

Learning Outcomes — Advanced

Conduct focused assessments for respiratory, cardiac, neuro, and abdominal complaints

Integrate vital signs, trends, and risk factors into clinical judgment

Recognize red‑flag findings requiring rapid escalation

Apply assessment skills in scenario‑based simulations

Prioritize nursing interventions based on assessment clusters

Hands‑On Skills — Basic

General survey and baseline observations

Neuro checks (LOC, orientation, pupils, grips)

Respiratory and cardiac auscultation landmarks

Abdominal assessment sequence (inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate)

Peripheral vascular checks (edema, pulses, cap refill)

Hands‑On Skills — Advanced

Focused respiratory assessment (work of breathing, auscultation patterns)

Cardiac/CHF assessment (JVP, edema, heart sounds)

Abdominal red flags (peritonitis signs, GI bleed indicators)

Case‑based assessment in simulated patient scenarios

Course Syllabus

Day 1 — Basic Physical Assessment

Module 1 — Assessment Foundations & Safety

Role of assessment in the nursing process, infection control, patient identity and consent, privacy, and trauma‑informed approaches.

Module 2 — General Survey & Vital Signs

Appearance, behavior, posture, mobility, vital sign review, pain assessment, and baseline documentation.

Module 3 — Neurological & Mental Status Assessment

LOC, orientation, pupils, grips, basic motor/sensory checks, and mental status screening.

Module 4 — Respiratory & Cardiac Assessment

Inspection, palpation, and auscultation landmarks, normal vs. abnormal breath and heart sounds.

Module 5 — Abdominal & Peripheral Vascular Assessment

Assessment sequence, bowel sounds, tenderness, edema, pulses, capillary refill, and peripheral circulation.

Module 6 — Head‑to‑Toe Assessment Practice Lab

Guided head‑to‑toe practice with checklists, peer practice, and instructor feedback.

Day 2 — Advanced Physical Assessment

Module 7 — Focused Respiratory & Cardiac Assessment

Shortness of breath, chest pain, wheeze vs. crackles, extra heart sounds, CHF and fluid overload patterns.

Module 8 — Advanced Neurological Screening

Stroke screening basics, cranial nerve overview, motor strength grading, coordination, and red‑flag neuro findings.

Module 9 — Complex Abdominal & GI Assessment

Constipation vs obstruction, GI bleed indicators, peritonitis signs, and when to escalate urgently.

Module 10 — Integrating Assessment Data

Clustering findings, recognizing subtle deterioration, using SBAR for escalation, and documentation pearls.

Module 11 — Simulation Scenarios & Competency Checklists

Case‑based assessment scenarios, prioritization exercises, and individual competency sign‑off.

Prerequisites

Current RN, RPN, or Nursing Student

Basic understanding of vital signs and documentation

Government‑issued ID for attendance verification

What’s Included

Instructor‑led theory and demonstration

Skills lab with simulated patient assessments

Assessment checklists and reference guides

VICE Certificate of Completion (per stream or combined)

Upcoming Dates — Greater Toronto Area

Date	Stream	Time	Campus	Seats
Nov 23	Day 1 — Basic	9:00–17:00	Brampton	12	Register
Nov 24	Day 2 — Advanced	9:00–17:00	Etobicoke	8	Register
Dec 07 - 08	Both Days — Basic & Advanced	9:00–17:00	North York	10	Register

Certification

Upon successful completion, learners receive a Certificate of Completion from VIVI Institute of Clinical Education. Curriculum aligns with CNO expectations and VICE Clinical Competency Standards.

Refund & Cancellation

Changes ≥ 5 days before class: permitted (admin fee may apply)

No refunds within 120 hours of class start

Blended modules: online keys are non‑refundable once issued

FAQs

Is this course suitable for beginners?

Yes. Foundational theory is covered before supervised hands‑on practice.

Do I need prior IV insertion experience?

No. Experience helps, but the skills lab is designed for all levels.

Will I get a certificate the same day?

Certificates are issued after competency sign‑off, typically same day.

Ready to level up your physical assessment skills?

Choose Basic, Advanced, or both days to build confident, systematic assessment skills for any clinical setting.

Register Now Download Syllabus (PDF)

Tuition

$250 CAD

Format

In‑Person

Duration

1 Day

Seats

Limited per cohort