International Nurses Association

Care plans are not a favorite among most nurses. It's difficult to develop plans for someone that is hospitalized, and you are unsure how things will go.  However, as time consuming as they are, they are an essential part of nursing.  The Need for a Care Plan Care plans are individualized plans specific to that patient. They are based on the exact needs of the patient, and it coordinates with the patient's diagnoses, and their specific needs. The care plan is designed to inform the following shift exactly what is being done for and with the patient. This is a way of communicating, similar to a log book passed on from staff to staff.  Care Plan Contents In addition to the communication aspect of a care plan, it should provide instructions so that a nurse unfamiliar with the patient could step in and know what to do. This would include special request of family members or the patient themselves.  Care Plan Guidelines Care plans must be completed for e...