A sample of 22 registered nurses participated in an educational program to learn comprehensive physical assessment skills. This study investigated the effects of that program on their nursing practice. Administration of tests and questionnaires provided a measure of the: (a) use of physical assessment skills; (b) knowledge of physical assessment; (c) changes in nursing practice since learning the skills; (d) barriers to the use of the skills. The model used for the program's curriculum development was adult learning theory. The curriculum focused on this theory's key aspects. Namely, adult students build new skills on their past knowledge and already developed skills. Additionally, they must see the relevance of learning the skills and be able to apply them in their current life situation. The findings suggest this model was appropriate. The nurses in the study used the majority of learned skills after they completed the program. Their knowledge concerning these skills also showed dramatic improvement. The major findings regarding the increase in knowledge and use of physical assessment skills, positive changes in nursing practice and lack of barriers to the use of skills indicate that an educational program in physical assessment can be very beneficial to nurses. The results support those of previous studies in that nurses will use the physical assessment skills they have learned in continuing education programs. The implications for nursing practice and education were discussed. Suggestions were then made for future research in this area.