Nursing care involves skilled, compassionate support for health and well-being, focusing on patient needs through assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation, including medical tasks, health education, and assistance with daily living, provided by nurses across many settings like hospitals, homes, and clinics. A core component is the nursing care plan, a roadmap for individualized care that ensures continuity and addresses specific goals, from managing chronic illness to promoting recovery.
Key Aspects of Nursing Care
- Holistic Approach: Addresses physical, psychological, and social needs, integrating the “art and science of caring”.
- Patient Advocacy: Nurses represent patient interests, ensuring comfort and understanding.
- Prevention & Health Promotion: Educating patients and communities to prevent illness and injury.
- Disease Management: Monitoring symptoms, administering treatments, and coordinating care.
- Compassionate Presence: Providing comfort and support, especially during difficult times like facing death.
Types of Nursing Care
- Basic Care: Fundamental needs like hygiene, nutrition, and safety.
- Skilled Nursing: Specialized care for complex needs, often in long-term facilities or at home.
- Specialized Care: Found in areas like critical care, pediatrics, mental health, or oncology.
The Nursing Care Plan (NCP)
A structured guide for patient care, typically including:
- Assessment: Gathering patient data (health status, risks).
- Diagnosis: Identifying actual or potential health problems.
- Planning: Setting goals and deciding on interventions.
- Implementation: Carrying out the planned actions (meds, therapies).
- Evaluation: Checking if goals were met and updating the plan.
Where It’s Provided
- Hospitals (inpatient & outpatient)
- Home Health Care
- Nursing Homes & Assisted Living
- Community Health Centers
- Schools, Workplaces, & More