Problem
A. Describe one age appropriate behavior that you observed.
B. Label the behavior that you observed with the term gross motor, communication, fine motor, problem solving or personal-social
C. Make a summary statement about the results of the assessment. For example, you may say, "The child is on track for his age".
D. Now, make sure to refine your role from observer to health care provider. Even if there is no concern, as nurses, we take opportunities to offer anticipatory guidance. What should be the health care follow-up, what information could you offer? (safety, immunizations, play groups, early family education and assessment) Pick a topic relevant to the age of the child that you observed, especially if the parents did have a concern about their child's development.
E. To conclude your post, say exactly (as a nurse) how you would make recommendations. For example, "Mrs. Jones, as you can see from this form, your child has scored within the normal range for all the behaviors we have observed. She may make a clinic appointment for her well baby check up at one year. It might be a fun bedtime routine for you to introduce tooth brushing-she does have 8 teeth." (This is an example) You can also ask the parent if they have questions at the conclusion of the observation, this may help to direct recommendations. We do not know everything, but we can always say we can look it up and get back to them.