Nursing Process: Planning

Category: Nursing Process
Status: Stub — content coming soon


Overview

Planning is the third phase of the nursing process. The nurse prioritizes diagnoses, sets measurable goals and expected outcomes, and selects nursing interventions.

Types of Planning

  • Initial planning — on admission
  • Ongoing planning — as status changes
  • Discharge planning — begins at admission

Writing SMART Goals / Expected Outcomes

Goals must be patient-centered, measurable, and time-limited.

ElementMeaning
SpecificClear, focused outcome
MeasurableObservable, quantifiable
AchievableRealistic for the patient
RelevantAddresses the nursing diagnosis
Time-boundHas a target date

Example: “Patient will maintain SpO₂ ≥ 95% on room air within 24 hours.”

Types of Interventions

TypeDescription
IndependentWithin nursing scope alone
DependentRequire a provider order
CollaborativeWith other disciplines

NOC / NIC

  • NOC — Nursing Outcomes Classification
  • NIC — Nursing Interventions Classification

Notes

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