What is the goal of planning within the nursing process?

The goal of planning within the nursing process is to establish patient goals and nursing interventions. This phase is critical as it involves assessing the needs of the patient and determining the most appropriate strategies to address those needs. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, nurses can create an effective care plan tailored to each patient.

During this phase, nurses not only outline the desired patient outcomes but also identify the nursing interventions that will guide their actions towards achieving those goals. This requires collaboration with the patient to ensure that the planned interventions align with their preferences and circumstances.

In contrast, identifying nursing diagnoses alone does not encompass the comprehensive approach necessary for effective patient care, as it merely describes the issues without a plan for action. Assuming patient preferences does not involve an open dialogue necessary to accurately reflect what the patient wishes for their care. Delegating tasks may be part of the nursing role but is not the primary goal of the planning phase, which focuses on establishing a clear path for patient care rather than the redistribution of tasks.