A holistic approach in nursing assessment establishes the patients’ physiological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, developmental, cultural and environmental aspects in their life. Obtaining data holistically is vital in assisting a patients’ ability to manage their symptoms and emotional status maximizing quality of life during the stages of illness or health changes (Margereson & Trenoweth 2009: 104). The aim of the holistic approach in nursing assessment is to establish the type of support and care required for the individual, developing a quality of care that assists their wellbeing as a whole person (Margereson & Trenoweth 2009: 104). When assessing the patient it is important that the nurse “collects
References: Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council 2006, National Competency Standards For The Registered Nurse, 4th edn, viewed 2 September 2012, . Berman, A et al., 2012, Kozier and Erb’s fundamentals of nursing, Australian adaptation, 2nd edn, Pearson, Sydney. Ellis, HK & Narayanasamy, A 2009, 'An Investigation into the Role of Spirituality in Nursing ', British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 18, No. 14, pp. 886-890. Johnstone, M 2006, Bioethics: a nursing perspective, Elsevier Australia, Marrickville, NSW. Margereson, C & Trenoweth, S 2009, Developing Holistic Care for Long-term Conditions, Routledge, New York. Stein-Parbury, J 2009, Patient and Person: Interpersonal Skills in Nursing, 4th edn, Elsevier, Marrickville.