The nursing process is a scientific procedure applied in the nursing profession to ensure patient receive quality care. Also, it uses a systematic, holistic and problem solving approach together with the patient and their family. The nursing process identifies the care to be given and a record that show who prescribed the care. Further, it is intended to guide the team involved directly with the patient and the basis for continuous treatment. The process is divided into phases; assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementing and evaluation phase
First, in the assessment phase the professional nurse collect information about the patient’s health status. The information is obtained through several ways. They include observation, patient interview, physical examination, investigation of the patient’s health and family history. The nurses interact a lot with the patient in this phase. Therefore, this phase provides crucial information that help in the patient care.
Secondly, the nurse in the diagnosing phase makes a decision about the real problem of the patient. In this phase, the patient is sometimes subjected to multiple diagnoses. The diagnoses include the actual description of the condition and assessment of the risks associated with the problem. Also, the results of the diagnosis determine patient’s response for health improvement. In addition, proper diagnosis dictates the course of treatment.
Thirdly, after diagnosis a plan of action is developed. In the planning phase, nurses usually refer to the evidence-based nursing outcomes classification. Further, the nursing interventions classification may also be used as a resource for planning. Moreover, in the implementing phase the nurses follow on the decided plan of action. The actions contained in the plan include monitoring the patient, caring for the patient, and educating the patient for further health management.
Finally, the evaluative phase is used to determine how the goals for patient care have been achieved. The process of evaluation is conducted after all the intervention actions have taken place. Further, the patient’s results include improvement, stabilization of the condition and death. However, if the goals of treatment are not achieved, the process repeats from the assessment phase. Therefore, it is imperative for the nurses to be familiar with the nursing process.
Moreover, the accuracy of the diagnoses should be a serious concern of nurses. Accurate diagnosis serves as the basis of choosing the correct nursing intervention that will bring positive patient results. Further, the accuracy of the nurses’ diagnoses is established by comparison between the patient data and diagnostic statement. In addition, the accuracy of the diagnosis should be related to the standardized nursing diagnoses. Therefore, accuracy of the nursing interpretations is reflected in the patient outcome.
In conclusion, there is a need for nurses already in practice to address the accuracy of diagnoses. Also, the introduction of electronic health records produces considerable result on the results and quality of care. At the same time, a variety of thinking abilities is necessary for accurate interpretation especially complex clinical cases. Further, evaluation should be conducted to determine how the goals for patient care have been achieved. Therefore, the patient result depends on the accuracy of diagnoses.
References
Kramer, R., Bright, C., Medcom, inc, & Healthcare Media (Firm) (2007). Nursing process and critical thinking: Critical thinking in the nursing process. Cypress, Calif: Medcom Trainex.
Locsin, R. C., & Purnell, M. J. (2009). A contemporary nursing process: The (un)bearable weight of knowing in nursing. New York: Springer.
McClain, G. R., & Buchman, M. (2011). After the diagnosis: How patients react and how to help them cope. Clifton Park, N.Y: Delmar.
