What is the purpose of the nursing process?

The purpose of the nursing process is to provide structured patient care. This systematic approach enables nurses to assess patient needs, diagnose health problems, plan individualized care, implement interventions, and evaluate the outcomes of the care provided. By following this framework, nurses are able to ensure that patient care is thorough, organized, and tailored to meet each patient's unique needs.

The nursing process is foundational to effective nursing practice, as it fosters critical thinking, enhances problem-solving abilities, and promotes the delivery of high-quality care. This emphasis on a structured approach is essential for achieving optimal patient outcomes and ensuring that care is safe and effective.

Focused on patient care means that while other aspects of healthcare, such as hospital policies, discharge processes, or staff scheduling, are important, they are not the primary focus of the nursing process itself. This process is all about the patient's well-being and ensuring that their needs are systematically addressed through ongoing assessment and tailored interventions.