The Nursing Process Steps of the Nursing Process

 

Nursing Process

The nursing process is used by nurses every day to help patients improve their health and assist doctors in treating patients. Nursing requires the use of this process day in and day out. The process is based on theories and practices taught in nursing school. It is a form of problem solving. The nursing process is made up of a series of stages that are used to achieve the objective - the health improvement of the patient. The nursing process can stop at any stage as deemed necessary or can repeat as needed. This process is inclusive of physical health as well as the emotional aspects of patient health.

Nursing knowledge is used throughout the process to formulate changes in approach to the patient's changing condition. During the process, nurses use this knowledge to identify problems and changes that are occurring to the patient. Caring for a patient requires the nurse to communicate with the patient to determine how they are feeling and gain the results of implemented care from the patient.

Phases of the nursing process include:

  • Assessment of the patient's needs
  • Diagnosis of human response needs that nurses can deal with
  • Planning of patient's care
  • Implementation of care
  • Evaluation of the success of the implemented care