4.9 Summary of the Nursing Process

You have now learned how to perform each step of the nursing process according to the ANA Standards of Professional Nursing Practice. Critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and clinical judgment are used when assessing the client, creating a nursing care plan, and implementing interventions. Frequent reassessment, with revisions to the care plan as needed, is important to help the client achieve expected outcomes. Throughout the entire nursing process, the client always remains the cornerstone of nursing care. Providing individualized, client-centered care and evaluating whether that care has been successful in achieving client outcomes are essential for providing safe, professional nursing practice.