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Nursing ProcessThe nursing process is the process by which nurses deliver care to patients. It is often supported by Nursing models or philosophies. The nursing process was originally an adapted form of problem-solving and is often considered a deductive theory. Stages of the Nursing Process The Nursing process is often remembered by the acronym APIE: - Assessment (of patient's needs)
- Planning (of patient's care)
- Implementation (of care)
- Evaluation (of the success of the implemented care)
Characteristics of the Nursing Process The Nursing process is a cyclical and ongoing process that can end at any stage if the problem is solved. The Nursing process exists for every problem that the patient has, and for every element of patient care, rather than once for each patient. The nurse's evaluation of care will lead to changes in the implementation of the care, and new the patient's needs are likely to change during their stay in hospital; as their health either improves or deteriorates. Stage One: Assessment The nurse should carry out a complete and holistic assessment of every patient's needs, regardless of their reason for admission. Usually, an assessment tool, such as a Nursing model or Waterlow scoring, is used. The purpose of this stage is to identify the patient's nursing problems. These problems are expressed as either actual or potential. For example, a patient who has been rendered immobile by a road traffic accident may be assessed as having the "potential to develop pressure ulcers secondary to immobility". In some institutions particularly in the USA, nurses make a Nursing diagnosis. Stage Two: Planning In agreement with the patient or client the nurse addresses each of the problems identified in the planning phase. For each problem they set a measurable goal. For example, the patient discussed in Stage One the goal would be for the patient's skin to remain intact. Stage Three: Implementation The method by which the goal will be achieved is also recorded at this stage. The method of implementation must be recorded in an explicit and tangible format and one that the patient can understand should they wish to read it. Clarity is essential as it will aid communication between those tasked with carrying out patient care. Stage Four: Evaluation The purpose of this stage is to evaluate progress toward the goals identified in the previous stages. If progress towards the goal is slow, or regression has occured, the nurse must change the plan of care accordingly. Conversely, if the goal has been achieved then the care can cease. New problems may be identified at this stage, and thus the process will start all over again. It is due to this stage that measurable goals must be set - failure to set measurable goals will result in poor evaluations. The entire is recorded in an agreed format in the patient's care plan in order to allow all members of the nursing team to perform the agreed care and make additions or changes where appropriate. Related Links * Nursing model
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