This course explores strategies to assess the human experience and the response to health and illness. Through self-reflection, critical thinking, comprehensive case reviews, and holistic assessment, students enhance their clinical decision-making skills. Focus is on developing strategies to gather appropriate data, understanding client’s responses, and developing a health diagnosis. Nurses formulate an evidence-based approach to clinical decision-making and individualized client interventions. Assessment data is related to the environment of the client, including both internal and external variables. Students integrate Jean Watson’s theory to identify the degree of harmony within the body, mind and spirit. Specific areas of concentration include spiritual assessment, pain assessment, nutrition assessment, changes across the life span, cultural implications, health promotion and relationship-based care with a scientific, caring practice.