Assessment / prognosis
It is within a nurse practitioner’s ability to assess and diagnose health problems, order and interpret diagnostic investigations, formulate and assess response to treatment plans, prescribe medicines and refer to other health professionals within their individual areas of competence. Nurse practitioners may also admit and discharge consumers from health services, including hospital settings. [1]
Useful resources:
- CareSearch communication starters to discuss serious illness and deterioration (159kb pdf)
- CareSearch GP Hub – Patient Assessment
- Interactive SPICT Tool (571kb pdf)
- Needs Assessment Tool for Carers of people with a Chronic Condition (NAT-CC) form (343kb pdf)
- Needs Assessment Tool for Carers of People with Advanced Cancer (NAT-C) form (342kb pdf)
- Needs Assessment for Progressive Disease NAT:PD form (128kb pdf)
Aligns with Nurse Practitioner standards for practice including:
Statement 1.1:
NPs demonstrate complex and critical thinking to conduct comprehensive, relevant and holistic health assessments
Statement 1.2:
NPs demonstrate accountability in the timely and considered use of diagnostic investigations to inform clinical decision making
Statement 1.3:
NPs integrate theoretical and practical knowledge to apply diagnostic reasoning to formulate diagnoses.
Last updated 15 June 2026