A pre-admission/resident assessment is a needs assessment screening tool used to obtain information about the personal care needs and requests of a potential resident. The pre-admission/resident assessment findings may identify needs for a comprehensive nursing care assessment.
A nursing care assessment gathers information about the person's health status through the collection of data and/or physical examination. This assessment includes the use of the nursing process (WAC 246-840-700). Although a nursing care assessment may include elements of a non-skilled personal care assessment, it is a comprehensive nursing care evaluation and must be performed by the registered nurse. The licensed practical nurse may assist in gathering information for the nursing care assessment under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse.