Application of the Nursing Process

The scientific method of problem-solving introduced in the previous section is used almost instinctively by most people, without conscious awareness.

Diagram of the nursing process

Diagram of the nursing process. The steps of the nursing process are interrelated, forming a continuous circle of thought and action that is both dynamic and cyclic.



FOR EXAMPLE:
While studying for your semester finals, you snack on pepperoni pizza. After going to bed, you are awakened by a burning sensation in the center of your chest. You are young and in good health and note no other symptoms (assessment). You decide that your pain is the result of the spicy food you have eaten (diagnosis). You then determine that before you can return to sleep, you need to relieve the discomfort with an over-the-counter preparation (planning). You take a liquid antacid for
your discomfort (implementation). Within a few minutes, you note the burning sensation is relieved, and you return to bed without further concern (evaluation).

As you see, this is a process you routinely use to solve problems in your life that can be readily applied to client-care situations. You need only to learn the new terms describing the nursing process, rather than having to think about each step (assessment, diagnosis/need identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation) in an entirely new way.

To effectively use the nursing process, the nurse needs to possess and apply some basic abilities. Particularly important is a thorough knowledge of science and theory, not only as applied in nursing but also in other related disciplines such as medicine and psychology. Creativity is needed in the application of nursing knowledge, as is adaptability in handling change and the many unexpected happenings that occur. As a nurse, you must make a commitment to practice your profession in the best possible way, trusting in yourself and your ability to do your job well and displaying the necessary leadership to organize and supervise as your position
requires. In addition, intelligence, well-developed interpersonal skills, and competent technical skills are essential.

FOR EXAMPLE:
A diabetic client’s irritable behavior could be the result of low serum glucose or the effects of excessive caffeine intake. However, it could also arise from a sense of helplessness regarding life events. A single behavior may have varied causes. It is important that your nursing assessment skills identify the underlying etiology to provide appropriate care.

The practice responsibilities presented in the definitions of nursing and the nursing process are explained in detail in the publication Nursing: Scope & Standards of Practice.18 The standards provide workable guidelines to ensure that the practice of nursing can be carried out by each nurse. Table 1.1 presents an abbreviated description of the standards of clinical practice. With the ultimate goal of quality healthcare, the effective use of the nursing process will result