Planning

Abstract

This chapter makes frequent reference to the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) and Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). The NOC and NIC are considered to be a standardised language which is used by the American Nurses Association (ANA). It was originally devised in 1992, refined and used clinically from 1997 and is now revised every four years (University of Iowa College of Nursing, 2008). Due to its use in many different texts it is valuable to have an understanding of the classifications. Although the classification system is American, it is adaptable to the Australian context. ... Planning is an important part of the nursing process which involves critical thinking to ensure competent decision making and problem solving (see Chapter 11 for an exploration of critical thinking in nursing). In planning, the nurse refers to the patient's assessment data and diagnostic statements for direction in formulating patient goals and designing the nursing interventions required to prevent, reduce or eliminate the patient's health problems (see Figure 14.1). A nursing intervention involves selecting the activities that are expected to help a patient achieve a set of goals (Funnell, Koutoukidis & Lawence 2008). The end product of the planning phase is a patient care plan. Although planning is basically the nurse's responsibility, input from the patient and support persons is essential if a plan is to be effective. Nurses should encourage the patient to participate actively to the fullest extent possible but will need to plan care for patients who may be unconscious or unable to be involved due to a health deficit. It is the nurses' responsibility to support the health, wellbeing and informed decision making of the individual patient (ANMC Statement 6 2008a).