Aug 19, 2024 · Collaborate with the health care team. Discuss with other health care professionals to validate the chosen diagnosis and ensure a multidisciplinary approach to the client’s care. Document clearly. Record the nursing diagnosis in the client’s chart, ensuring it reflects the NANDA-I terminology for consistency and clarity throughout treatment. ... Jul 27, 2024 · Writing the best nursing care plan can sound easy on paper, but the process is demanding and tiresome. If you are a nursing student who wants to delegate writing nursing care plans to someone who can help you do so accurately, affordably, and reliably, you can trust our care plan writers. ... Apr 26, 2023 · How to Write a Nursing Care Plan. Before writing a nursing care plan, determine the most significant problems affecting the patient. Think about medical problems but also psychosocial problems. At times, a patient's psychosocial concerns might be more pressing or even holding up discharge instead of the actual medical issues. ... Wrapping Up: Writing an Effective Nursing Care Plan. To be successful, a nursing plan needs effective communication, goal-oriented tasks, accessibility and shareability, and evidence-based practice. ... Mar 9, 2022 · Nursing care plans are essentially the written outcome of the nursing process. For this reason, the structure of a nursing care plan closely follows the five steps of the nursing process: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation. More precisely, nursing care plans usually follow this template: ... Sep 19, 2024 · The paper needs to be Microsoft Word format (don't share a copy of your OneDrive/cloud account), and please include your due date and SCC college ID number in the email. Visit the The Learning Center located in the P. Dan Hull Building, rooms E2, E5, E6. ... Get the most sought after step by step guide on writing a nursing paper from our expert medical writers and wow the entire class with your knowledge. +1 213 318 4345 [email protected] ... Oct 23, 2024 · In most cases, nursing papers should adhere to the American Psychological Association (APA) format, which sets clear guidelines for the structure and style of your paper. In the APA format, a typical nursing essay includes a title page, abstract, main body, and reference list. It should be written in Times New Roman, size 12 font, and any in ... ... Nov 26, 2024 · How to write a 5-page nursing essay. How to format a QSEN clinical integration paper. Formatting your nursing assignment in APA. APA7 vs. APA 6 formatting style distinctions. How NurseMyGrade Can Help You Master APA Formatting. Are you feeling overwhelmed with your APA nursing paper? You don’t have to go it alone. ... Nursing Care essays We found 97 samples on this topic All samples on this topic. Trending End-Of-Life Care. Words · 358. Pages · 2. Rating · 4.7/5. ... ">
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How to Write a Nursing Care Plan – A Simple Guide for Nurses

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In nursing, one size rarely fits all, especially when it comes to providing top-notch client care.

Just as no two clients are alike, the care they require is unique and tailored to their needs. This is where a nursing care plan (NCP) comes into play.

An NCP is a roadmap for client care that details a structured approach to achieving the best possible health outcomes. Multiple care plans might be necessary depending on the complexity of the client’s condition and needs.

For instance, a client with diabetes might need separate plans for managing blood sugar levels, wound care, and dietary modifications. Each plan addresses various aspects of the client’s care to ensure comprehensive treatment.

If you want to learn how to write a nursing care plan , you’re in the right place. But first, let’s review the different formats and components of an NCP.

Jump to the Components of a Care Plan

Interventions, nursing care plan formats.

You can create NCPs in various formats.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common.

3 Column Format

This format is simple and effective, dividing the care plan into three columns:

  • Outcomes/Evaluation

5 Column Format

A more detailed format, this divides the care plan into five columns:

  • Goals and Outcomes

SimpleNursing Nursing Care Plan

Our preferred format at SimpleNursing includes six key sections:

This format provides a thorough structure for organizing client care comprehensively.

Get your free care plan template today:

Components of a nursing care plan.

Regardless of the format chosen, an effective NCP should include these key components. Follow these steps to write an effective nursing care plan:

Patient Information

Client information.

This includes the client’s name, date of birth, age, and gender.

The client’s information is a reference point for all members of the health care team involved in the client’s care.

Medical History

This section outlines the client’s past and present medical conditions, including chronic illnesses or acute health issues.

Include any known allergies to medications, foods, or environmental factors in the care plan.

This information helps prevent adverse reactions and ensure client safety.

Medications

List current medications, including dosages and frequencies.

This information helps with medication management and identifies potential drug interactions.

This section highlights the client’s physical and mental status, including vital signs, lab results, and

relevant diagnostic tests.

It serves as a baseline for evaluating the client’s progress. There are two types of data: subjective and objective.

  • Subjective Data: Gather client-reported information, including symptoms and concerns—for example, pain level or feelings of nausea. Use active listening and open-ended questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s experience.
  • Objective Data: Collect observable data such as vital signs, lab results, and physical exam findings. Use appropriate assessment tools and document any abnormalities or changes.

Both types of data are essential for accurately assessing the client’s condition.

Check out our head to toe assessment checklist for more info on this section.

This section informs the development of your care plan and identifies the client’s health problems or potential risks.

Components of Diagnosis

When developing nursing diagnoses , you will come across three key components integral to the assessment process.

  • The problem and its definition: This includes a concise statement that describes the client’s health issue or risk.
  • Etiology: This identifies the factors contributing to the problem, such as physiological, psychological, environmental, or social influences.
  • Defining characteristics or risk factors: These are the cues and evidence that support the existence of the problem.

NANDA Nursing Diagnosis

Follow the NANDA International (NANDA-I) guidelines, which provide a standardized approach for nursing practice.

Here are the key steps to guide you in formulating nursing diagnoses:

  • Review the assessment data. Start by thoroughly analyzing the collected subjective and objective data. Identify any patterns or significant findings regarding the client’s health status.
  • Choose the appropriate NANDA-I nursing diagnosis. The latest NANDA-I nursing diagnosis lists provide a comprehensive catalog of diagnoses. Select the most relevant diagnosis that aligns with the client’s health issues and supports your findings.
  • Use the diagnosis format. Formulate the diagnosis in the standard format: “Problem related to (etiology) as evidenced by (defining characteristics).” This structure enhances clarity and ensures you cover all components of the diagnosis.
  • Collaborate with the health care team. Discuss with other health care professionals to validate the chosen diagnosis and ensure a multidisciplinary approach to the client’s care.
  • Document clearly. Record the nursing diagnosis in the client’s chart, ensuring it reflects the NANDA-I terminology for consistency and clarity throughout treatment.

Adhering to these guidelines provides nurses with a clear framework for identifying client needs and planning effective care interventions.

Nursing diagnoses are essential for developing a comprehensive care plan that addresses a client’s specific health needs.

They also provide a basis for establishing specific, measurable goals for client recovery.

Here are five tips for setting achievable outcomes:

  • Be specific. Clearly define the desired outcome in observable and measurable terms.
  • Ensure relevance to the diagnosis. The outcomes should relate to the identified nursing diagnosis and address the client’s health concerns.
  • Consider timeframes. Set realistic timelines for achieving the intended outcome, considering factors such as client acuity and available resources.
  • Involve the client. Collaborate with the client when setting goals to ensure their active participation and motivation towards achieving them.
  • Evaluate progress regularly. Continuously monitor and reassess the client’s progress towards meeting established outcomes and make necessary adjustments as needed.

When setting goals, consider short-term and long-term objectives. Short-term goals may include specific actions or interventions a client can achieve in a shorter timeframe (e.g., “Client will achieve a pain level of 3 or below within 24 hours”).

Long-term goals may encompass larger, more comprehensive outcomes (e.g., “Client will maintain a blood glucose level within the target range for three months”). It’s essential to have both types in a care plan to track progress and provide the client with a sense of accomplishment.

When developing a care plan, outline specific nursing interventions to address the identified diagnosis and facilitate progress toward the established goals.

Here are five key considerations for listing these planned actions:

  • Prioritize tasks. Identify the most critical interventions to address the client’s immediate needs based on their health status and safety considerations.
  • Use evidence-based practices. Incorporate interventions proven effective through research and clinical guidelines to ensure that the intervention aligns with the best practices.
  • Be clear and concise. Write each intervention in straightforward language, indicating what actions the client will take, the frequency of those actions, and any specific techniques or approaches they’ll use.
  • Consider client preferences. Engage with the client to determine their values and preferences regarding their care. Tailoring interventions to fit the client’s lifestyle can enhance their adherence and overall satisfaction.
  • Document rationale. Include a brief justification for each planned intervention that explains how the action relates to the diagnosis and contributes to achieving the defined outcomes.

By developing a structured list of interventions, nurses can create a focused approach that enhances client care and serves as a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of the implemented strategies.

Providing rationales for each nursing intervention is critical to the care planning process.

Rationales offer insight into the reasoning behind specific actions, linking them directly to the client’s diagnosis and the anticipated outcomes. This fosters a deeper understanding of the care plan and reinforces the justification for chosen interventions to the health care team and client.

Evaluating a client’s progress toward outcomes involves systematically assessing the effectiveness of the interventions by comparing the client’s status against the expected outcomes outlined in the care plan.

Nurses should collect data through various methods, including:

  • Direct observation
  • Client self-reports
  • Clinical assessments

When determining whether to continue, adjust, or terminate the care plan, closely observe how the client responds to the implemented interventions. If the client shows improvement toward the expected outcomes, it’s appropriate to continue the current plan while offering support and encouragement.

However, if the client’s progress is minimal or they experience setbacks, consider adjusting the interventions to suit their needs better. This may involve changing techniques, involving additional resources, or addressing barriers to compliance.

If the client exhibits no significant improvement despite these changes, consider terminating the current plan. In this case, you should thoroughly reassess the client’s goals and needs to develop a new, more targeted approach.

Always engage the client in these discussions, ensuring you consider their voice and preferences in any decisions made regarding their care.

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How to Write a Nursing Care Plan

Nursing care plan components, nursing care plan fundamentals.

How to Write a Nursing Care Plan

Knowing how to write a nursing care plan is essential for nursing students and nurses. Why? Because it gives you guidance on what the patient’s main nursing problem is, why the problem exists, and how to make it better or work towards a positive end goal. In this article, we'll dig into each component to show you exactly how to write a nursing care plan. 

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A nursing care plan has several key components including, 

  • Nursing diagnosis
  • Expected outcome
  • Nursing interventions and rationales

Each of the five main components is essential to the overall nursing process and care plan. A properly written care plan must include these sections otherwise, it won’t make sense!

  • Nursing diagnosis - A clinical judgment that helps nurses determine the plan of care for their patients
  • Expected outcome - The measurable action for a patient to be achieved in a specific time frame. 
  • Nursing interventions and rationales - Actions to be taken to achieve expected outcomes and reasoning behind them.
  • Evaluation - Determines the effectiveness of the nursing interventions and determines if expected outcomes are met within the time set.

>> Related: What is the Nursing Process?

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Before writing a nursing care plan, determine the most significant problems affecting the patient. Think about medical problems but also psychosocial problems. At times, a patient's psychosocial concerns might be more pressing or even holding up discharge instead of the actual medical issues. 

After making a list of problems affecting the patient and corresponding nursing diagnosis, determine which are the most important. Generally, this is done by considering the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). However, these will not ALWAYS be the most significant or even relevant for your patient. 

Step 1: Assessment

The first step in writing an organized care plan includes gathering subjective and objective nursing data . Subjective data is what the patient tells us their symptoms are, including feelings, perceptions, and concerns. Objective data is observable and measurable.

This information can come from, 

Verbal statements from the patient and family

Vital signs

Blood pressure

Respirations

Temperature

Oxygen Saturation

Physical complaints

Body conditions

Head-to-toe assessment findings

Medical history

Height and weight

Intake and output

Patient feelings, concerns, perceptions

Laboratory data

Diagnostic testing

Echocardiogram

Step 2: Diagnosis

Using the information and data collected in Step 1, a nursing diagnosis is chosen that best fits the patient, the goals, and the objectives for the patient’s hospitalization. 

According to North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA), defines a nursing diagnosis as “a clinical judgment about the human response to health conditions/life processes, or a vulnerability for that response, by an individual, family, group or community.”

A nursing diagnosis is based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs pyramid and helps prioritize treatments. Based on the nursing diagnosis chosen, the goals to resolve the patient’s problems through nursing implementations are determined in the next step. 

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There are 4 types of nursing diagnoses.  

Problem-focused - Patient problem present during a nursing assessment is known as a problem-focused diagnosis

Risk - Risk factors require intervention from the nurse and healthcare team prior to a real problem developing

Health promotion - Improve the overall well-being of an individual, family, or community

Syndrome - A cluster of nursing diagnoses that occur in a pattern or can all be addressed through the same or similar nursing interventions

After determining which type of the four diagnoses you will use, start building out the nursing diagnosis statement. 

The three main components of a nursing diagnosis are:

Problem and its definition - Patient’s current health problem and the nursing interventions needed to care for the patient.

Etiology or risk factors - Possible reasons for the problem or the conditions in which it developed

Defining characteristics or risk factors - Signs and symptoms that allow for applying a specific diagnostic label/used in the place of defining characteristics for risk nursing diagnosis

PROBLEM-FOCUSED DIAGNOSIS

Problem-Focused Diagnosis related to ______________________ (Related Factors) as evidenced by _________________________ (Defining Characteristics).

RISK DIAGNOSIS

The correct statement for a NANDA-I nursing diagnosis would be: Risk for _____________ as evidenced by __________________________ (Risk Factors).

Step 3: Outcomes and Planning

After determining the nursing diagnosis, it is time to create a SMART goal based on evidence-based practices. SMART is an acronym that stands for,

It is important to consider the patient’s medical diagnosis, overall condition, and all of the data collected. A medical diagnosis is made by a physician or advanced healthcare practitioner.  It’s important to remember that a medical diagnosis does not change if the condition is resolved, and it remains part of the patient’s health history forever. 

Examples of medical diagnosis include, 

Chronic Lung Disease (CLD)

Alzheimer’s Disease

Endocarditis

Plagiocephaly 

Congenital Torticollis 

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

It is also during this time you will consider goals for the patient and outcomes for the short and long term. These goals must be realistic and desired by the patient. For example, if a goal is for the patient to seek counseling for alcohol dependency during the hospitalization but the patient is currently detoxing and having mental distress - this might not be a realistic goal. 

Step 4: Implementation

Now that the goals have been set, you must put the actions into effect to help the patient achieve the goals. While some of the actions will show immediate results (ex. giving a patient with constipation a suppository to elicit a bowel movement) others might not be seen until later on in the hospitalization. 

The implementation phase means performing the nursing interventions outlined in the care plan. Interventions are classified into seven categories: 

Physiological

Complex physiological

Health system interventions

Some interventions will be patient or diagnosis-specific, but there are several that are completed each shift for every patient:

Pain assessment

Position changes

Fall prevention

Providing cluster care

Infection control

Step 5: Evaluation 

The fifth and final step of the nursing care plan is the evaluation phase. This is when you evaluate if the desired outcome has been met during the shift. There are three possible outcomes, 

Based on the evaluation, it can determine if the goals and interventions need to be altered. Ideally, by the time of discharge, all nursing care plans, including goals should be met. Unfortunately, this is not always the case - especially if a patient is being discharged to hospice, home care, or a long-term care facility. Initially, you will find that most care plans will have ongoing goals that might be met within a few days or may take weeks. It depends on the status of the patient as well as the desired goals. 

Consider picking goals that are achievable and can be met by the patient. This will help the patient feel like they are making progress but also provide relief to the nurse because they can track the patient’s overall progress. 

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Nursing care plans contain information about a patient’s diagnosis, goals of treatment, specific nursing interventions, and an evaluation plan. The nursing plan is constantly updated with changes and new subjective and objective data. 

Key aspects of the care plan include,

Outcome and Planning

Implementation

Through subjective and objective data, constantly assessing your patient’s physical and mental well-being, and the goals of the patient/family/healthcare team, a nursing care plan can be a helpful and powerful tool.

*This website is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease.

Kathleen Gaines

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education: MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans BSN - Villanova University BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise: Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

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Nursing Care Plans from A to Z: a Complete Guide for Registered Nurses

Posted on: Mar 9, 2022;

Nursing Care Plans from A to Z: a Complete Guide for Registered Nurses

Nursing care plans are one of the most valuable tools nurses have at their disposal. They aid RNs in strategically outlining the best course of care for patients and enable quality communication within the healthcare team. Thus, writing and using a nursing care plan is one of the nursing skills that nursing students and experienced professionals have to cultivate consistently. 

Much attention is devoted to mastering this aspect of the nursing process in nursing school, so nursing care plans are an integral part of any nursing school curriculum. And the need to write care plans continues after graduation because a critical part of nursing practice relies on efficiently written and implemented care plans. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about nursing care plans. Stick around to find the best practices for making a care plan , how to write it , and how to use this instrument to deliver quality care. 

What Is a Nursing Care Plan?

The nursing care plan (NCP) is a process through which the nurse identifies, documents, and keeps track of a parent’s state or condition, needs, and risks . The elaboration of the care plan starts when the patient is admitted to the medical facility. The NCP is continuously updated throughout the patient’s stay based on their condition and response to treatment. Typically, creating a nursing care plan follows a five-step framework. 

The nursing care planning process ensures that the quality of patient care is always up to the highest standards. It sets the groundwork for patient-centered care and is a sign of excellence in nursing practice .

Nursing care plans have a few significant objectives. First off, they aim to encourage evidence-based nursing care . Accounting for the fact that psychological, social, and spiritual health are as potent as physical health, nursing care plans advocate for holistic care to manage and prevent diseases. Other aims of this practice include:

  • Identifying achievable goals for the nursing team.
  • Spelling out desired care outcomes .
  • Measuring nursing care . 

nursing care plan examples

What Are The Types of Nursing Care Plans?

Nursing care plans are either informal or formal. The informal care plans are courses of action in response to a patient’s state that the nurse has thought of but hasn’t yet documented or formalized. 

A formal nursing care plan is the written version of the plan. It details the patient’s care information, information about the nursing interventions, the patient’s state, response to nursing interventions, and more. 

Standardized care plans are formal nursing care plans in which the RN specifies the care they offer to a group of clients with everyday needs. 

Individualized care plans are formal nursing care plans tailored to the needs of a particular patient. They are specific and unique to each patient’s condition or requirements. 

Student Nursing Care Plans vs. Professional Nursing Care Plans

Student nursing care plans and the care plans written by professional registered nurses have the same overall goal: to guide the process of nursing care . However, there are some important differences between them. 

Care plans formulated by aspiring RNs in nursing schools are significantly longer . They are written with greater detail and contain more thorough information. It is more time-consuming to devise student nursing care plans. Still, it’s a good training exercise. It solidifies the students’ knowledge and ensures they grasp and apply essential nursing concepts. 

Nursing care plans written by Registered Nurses in clinical settings are generally more concise . Unlike students, working professionals don’t have to write down every nursing judgment and decision-making step. Additionally, the clinical setting version of nursing plans does not include the rationale – an extra column in which nursing students have to present the scientific explanations for the chosen interventions. 

What Are the Main Reasons to Have a Care Plan?

There are many advantages to writing and implementing nursing care plans. They may be tedious to create, but they benefit nurses, patients, and the entire healthcare system in the long run. These are some of the reasons why care plans play such a vital part in patient care: 

  • Nursing care plans are a roadmap to quality patient-centered care . Care plans help structure and organize patient care. When elaborating them, the nurse employs critical and holistic thinking, leading to better patient outcomes. 
  • Nursing care plans ensure the continuity of care . Nurse care plans need to be written or computerized, and so they become a part of a patient’s health record. Consequently, nurses have access to the same patient information. Despite working different shifts, all RNs caring for a patient will be aware of the diagnosis, prior nursing interventions, and their coworkers’ observations and insights. This means that nurses work towards the same goal, which leads to better patient results. 
  • Nursing care plans ensure collaboration with other members of the healthcare team . In addition to their fellow RNs, nurses also have to collaborate with physicians, assistants, social workers, physical therapists, and other health team members. Nursing plans put all the information in one place and make it easily accessible for all members of this interprofessional team. Thus, everyone is aware of the desired outcomes and can work towards them. 
  • Nursing care plans keep patients engaged . An important part of formulating nursing care plans is setting goals for and with patients. This step motivates patients to be more involved in their recovery, makes them more compliant to treatment, and ensures better outcomes. 
  • Nursing care plans can serve as evidence of given care . These are documents through which nurses document their interventions, thus acting as a record in case of lawsuits or accusations that they failed to adhere to nursing standards. They maximize the efficiency of the nurses while also shielding them from potential problems. 
  • Nursing care plans act as guides for reimbursement . Insurance companies use medical records to determine the amount they will pay concerning the care the patient received. 

nursing care plan template

What Are the Components of a Nursing Care Plan?

Nursing care plans are essentially the written outcome of the nursing process. For this reason, the structure of a nursing care plan closely follows the five steps of the nursing process : assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation. 

More precisely, nursing care plans usually follow this template: 

  • Nursing diagnosis
  • Desired outcomes/goals
  • Nursing interventions (or implementations)

Let’s look at each step more closely. 

Before everything else, a care plan must include a nursing diagnosis . To formulate a nursing diagnosis, you need to conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s health, consisting of objective or subjective data. 

Learn everything you need to know about nursing diagnoses in our complete guide on the subject . 

After establishing a nursing diagnosis, the next step in your care plan is outlining desired outcomes and goals . The goals may be long-term or short-term, but all of them ought to be realistic and achievable. 

Following that, you need to start documenting the nursing interventions you carry out. 

The last component of the nursing plan is evaluation . This step covers the information about the outcomes of the nursing interventions. 

How to Write a Nursing Plan?

Developing a nursing plan may seem daunting at first. But it doesn’t have to be. Now that you’re familiar with the components, all you have to do is follow the step-by-step guide that we included below. 

Conduct patient assessment. 

When you start creating a nursing plan, you first gather information about the patient’s state using specific nursing assessment techniques and other data collection methods. This may include conducting a head-to-toe physical assessment, taking vitals, reviewing the patient’s health history and medical records, asking questions directly to the patient or their family, performing diagnosis studies. It is essential to be thorough and careful in gathering health data. 

anxiety nursing care plan

Analyze and catalog all the information you got in the previous step. 

By now, you have large chunks of information about your patient’s state, their history, the health risks they encounter, and more. You need to structure it and pick the relevant details. Based on that, formulate a nursing diagnosis, which will help set your priorities and determine some desired outcomes. 

Formulate your nursing diagnosis. 

All the data you collected will help you in the diagnosing process. You should write the nursing diagnosis in line with the NANDA-I format, the internationally recognized way to identify and catalog RN diagnoses. Prioritizing will play a vital role in creating a nursing diagnosis. For this, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs will prove a helpful tool. Once you have indicated a diagnosis, you can set goals and pinpoint the desired nursing outcomes. 

Find everything you need to know about writing a nursing diagnosis in our complete guide on the subject. 

Set SMART patient goals.

After writing a diagnosis, you must set goals for the direction of care. This is essentially the planning stage, where you outline what you hope to achieve once the nursing process is implemented. These goals will pave the path for planning nursing interventions. Later on, they will be the standards by which you evaluate the patient’s health progress. 

It’s crucial to keep the goals clear, realistic, and specific. A good strategy for setting goals as part of the nursing plan is by employing the SMART technique: 

S pecific – Make sure the nursing goals you choose are unambiguous and well-defined. 

M easurable – Set specific metrics to determine/measure the efficacy of your actions and the patient’s progress.

A chievable – The nursing goals must be realistic and possible to achieve.

R ealistic – They need to be appropriate in relation to the overarching care plan.

T ime-bound – Deadlines can help you keep better track of your interventions and how efficient they are. These can be flexible. 

Goals can also be short-term or long-term . For the most part, as a nurse, you will devise short-term goals because you are mostly focused on the patient’s immediate (or near future) needs or concerns. Long-term nursing goals are mostly used by nurses working in home healthcare , nursing homes, or with patients suffering from chronic health problems. 

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Choose appropriate nursing interventions

Nursing interventions are the actions a nurse takes to achieve patient goals and reach the desired outcomes. The interventions focus on reducing the causes of the nursing diagnosis or decreasing the risk factors. You may follow the doctor’s guidelines – dependent nursing interventions – to choose the appropriate interventions. Also, you can develop nursing interventions yourself, drawing from evidence-based practice – independent nursing interventions . Another type of nursing intervention is collaborative , which refers to the actions or activities you carry out in collaboration with other healthcare team members. 

There are seven categories of nursing interventions : family, behavioral, physiological, complex physiological, community, safety, and health system interventions. Some of the most common nursing interventions you can expect to perform during each shift include: assessing pain, giving medications, checking vital signs at specific intervals, changing the resting position, initiating fall precautions, or educating the patient.

After identifying the appropriate interventions, you will perform them in the implementation phase of the nursing process. 

Provide rationale for the chosen nursing interventions

This additional step is only included in student nursing care plans . Writing down the rationale in the student care plan serves as an exercise for students to ensure that they are fully aware of why a specific nursing intervention was the best course of action. 

Perform evaluation

Evaluation is the final step of the nursing care plan. In this phase, the nurse will analyze whether the care goals have been met and whether or not the nursing plan was effective. Importantly, evaluation is an ongoing process . Based on its conclusions, you can continue, change, or cancel nursing interventions. 

Tips and Tricks for Writing Efficient Nursing Care Plans

Keep your writing skills sharp. .

More than just an important document, a nursing care plan is a guide to efficient nursing care and interdepartmental collaboration. That’s why you need to be efficient in writing it. As much as possible, try to write everything down immediately not to miss or forget any details. Write clearly and concisely, but make sure you and the other members of the team understand the terms or abbreviations you use. Include dates and times. 

Always keep the plan up to date.

Make sure your care plans are constantly updated with the latest information. You should always document the changes in a patient’s state, the updates in the nursing interventions, or other developments that may occur in the process of care. 

Keep the plans accessible and easily shareable.

An essential characteristic of care plans is that they must be easily shareable with relevant stakeholders. These may include patients, other doctors or nurses, or insurance companies. The format for the nursing care plans may differ from one medical institution to another. Still, for the most part, they are electronic and become part of the electronic health record (EHR). Thus, they can be easily accessed by everyone. 

nursing care plan for pain

Nursing Care Plan Examples

As a nurse, you’ll have to write nursing plans for a wide variety of conditions: from hypertension, infection, decreased cardiac output, impaired skin integrity, acute pain to constipation, anxiety, diabetes, dehydration, and many more. To better illustrate how to write nursing care plans, we have assembled some examples. Bear in mind that the template of the nursing plan may differ from one institution to another. 

Are you Ready to Start Writing Efficient Nursing Care Plans?

Writing efficient, goal-oriented, easily-accessible, clear, and evidence-based nursing care plans is pivotal for any Registered Nurse.

In order to develop nursing care plans that encompass all these qualities, you need to be knowledgeable, display critical thinking, engage in teamwork, and focus on offering patient-centric care. If you follow these guidelines, the care plans you write will help elevate your professional status and the entire healthcare process.

We’re here to make your journey a little easier. Enroll in Nightingale College’s BSN program or advance your education with an online RN-to-BSN and discover that writing nursing care plans doesn’t have to be a daunting process.

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A Complete Guide To Writing Nursing Paper For Medical Students

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Medical students have to endure countless hardships during their tenure in the college. Among them, the difficult one is writing a nursing paper on a topic related to their field. It’s not just about composing words after going through the research. It relates to their future learning and demonstrating professionalism in their nursing career.

Don’t worry if this explanation seems daunting or a deal-breaker! Today, we will embark on a journey to understand this topic deeply from within. We will learn why these nursing topics are so complicated and how we can write them without any trouble. Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of evidence-based practice for nursing students. The bonus will be the medical topics that are sure to broaden the extent of your knowledge. Without further ado, let’s get ready!

Table of Contents

What Is a Nursing Paper? (What’s All The Fuss About)

A nursing paper is an assignment given to medical students to develop their understanding of clinical practices. They go through the topic under the strict guidelines from the American School of Nursing & Allied Health. By doing this, they collect vital information related to this field and equip themselves with practical knowledge prior to starting a professional career.

Since it’s a critical care profession that revolves around saving human lives, therefore it requires mistake-free decision-making. Every nursing professional must be equipped with nerves of steel because they cannot perform their job without it. Nursing assignments tend to challenge the student’s comfort zone and take them out of it. That’s why these learners require nursing paper writing service to complete their assignments appropriately.

Different Types of Nursing Papers

There are different types of nursing papers for medical students depending on the discipline they choose. Like medical science that has various branches, similarly, nursing has many types that are explained below.

  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Geriatric Nursing
  • Medical Nursing
  • Nephrology Nursing
  • Hepatology Nursing
  • Ophthalmology Nursing
  • Endocrinology Nursing
  • Neurology Nursing
  • Psychiatric Nursing
  • Orthopedic Nursing
  • Pulmonology Nursing
  • Oncology Nursing
  • Radiology Nursing
  • Dental Nursing
  • Emergency Nursing
  • Dermatology Nursing

How to Write a Nursing Research Paper?

It’s not easy to write a nursing paper without appropriate professional tips . Each word of nursing students is critically examined with a critical eye. They need to understand the subject and patient care that will be provided later in their profession. 

Let’s start learning the basics of writing a nursing assignment from scratch. It will be the best guide you’ll ever get in your career.

Understand the Prompt and Requirements

The first step that every student overlooks is not understanding the assignment prompt. A half-hearted look at the essay prompt is bad for your grades. If a student doesn’t understand or read what the assignment or their professor wants from them, it’s impossible to make it as required from them.

Secondly, every assignment has some requirements, such as making it on a specific disease or patient type. Similarly, your professor might want to assess your knowledge on the latest nursing guidelines or new major breakthroughs in patient care, etc. Here’s how you can improve your practices by following these steps:

  • Don’t just read your prompt but chew on it. Read at least three times to have knowledge from all perspectives.
  • Ask your professor promptly before you start your assignment blindly
  • Evaluate your skills in comparison with the demands of the topic
  • In case where you feel it will overwhelm you, ask your professor to change the subject.
  • Many students who have pre-existing phobias such as hemophobia should avoid such topics that discuss blood or anything related to its types. 
  • If you’re more interested in patient education than direct patient care, then you should discuss this with your professor to assign you topics related to that discipline.

Understanding the requirements also helps your professor to make an accurate judgment about your work. Since your task is about how you’ll cope with real-world pressure when helping or caring for patients, you must demonstrate your best skills at your subject. 

Choose a Nursing Research Paper Topic

The second step is choosing a topic that helps you present your stance on a subject. Whether it’s a topic you’ve been given or chosen, it has to justify your skills and capabilities as a certified nurse or medical practitioner. Your subject should be broad and can accommodate new research or findings to modify guidelines or challenge the existing ones.

In picking a topic, students must remember to do this process by targeting a niche that helps them navigate in one direction rather than all over the place. Subject selection is difficult if you’re doing it on your own, especially for new students. It’s a time-consuming one. To overcome your shortcomings in this part, you should brainstorm the topics that excite not only you but also your audience.

Secondly, for subject selection, you can explore new books, medical journals or articles related to nursing and patient care. Since patient care is a discipline that’s evolving continuously, therefore choosing a topic that talks about best nursing practices may take the crown. Here we will present an example of a topic related to nursing that may help you in this process:

Nursing Care in Type-1 Diabetics

Having a topic that has plenty of research available will help you broaden your investigation into a multi-faceted one. If you choose a topic that can only accommodate narrow or single-sided research, it’s better to choose a new one. Your subject is your hallmark so you must choose one that helps you expand your knowledge base and skill set. After the selection of the topic, you should move on to the research section.

Start Your Investigation

Research in nursing papers is pivotal to your success. To start your investigation into your topic, you must take a deep dive into reading books to gather credible sources. Research can be divided into two or three sections depending on the nature of the investigation and requirements. Here we will discuss the research methods that students will employ in making their nursing papers .

Research Methods For Nursing Papers

The first step for students is to gather primary sources of research methods. This part includes reading books, journals, and articles directly related to your topic and its outcomes. Since it’s the most valuable part of your investigation, you should give it ample time for appropriate evidence collection. Primary research sources are the ones that are written by doctors or physicians, medical experts etc. Adding these pieces of evidence makes your assignment paper strong and authentic.

In cases where it’s impossible to acquire primary data, you may gather secondary research sources. Secondary sources or evidence is the one that is based on primary evidence, reviews, interviews and expert’s opinion are its examples.

Sometimes your topic requires you to add secondary evidence to support primary research or evidence. This is known as consolidating your arguments in academic practices. So it’s essential to add both research sources in your nursing paper.

For higher education in nursing subjects where they are working alongside medical professionals, adding tertiary sources of research is a plus. Your three-way research supports your arguments and covers all the logic to strengthen your stance on the subject.

After you collect primary, secondary and tertiary sources of research, organize them according to their category. This way you’ll know where to use these evidences and understand their effective usage.

Develop Your Thesis Statement

Researching provides you with the ground for developing your thesis statement. Your thesis sentence is your short research-based answer on your research question. Without doing good research, you won’t be able to compose it. After having sufficient information, you may narrow down the answer into a few lines. Your entire paper will be based on it. In making a thesis statement, do remember the following points:

  • It should be between one or a maximum of two lines
  • Make it using persuasive words so your readers can grab the core idea without going through the entire content
  • Place your thesis statement in the introduction paragraph
  • Your entire paper must be based on your premise statement. Every argument and evidence should point to it.

After developing a thesis statement, you may start working on your paper’s content. A thesis sentence example may look like this if you’re working on your nursing paper.

“IDF (International Diabetes Federation) and ADA (American Diabetes Association) both agree that Type-2 Diabetics have three-fold risk of developing “Nephropathy” within five years of diagnosis”.

By following the above example, you can easily make a premise statement for your paper.

Write the Introduction Paragraph

The introduction part is where you need to make a difference. It’s the first writing part of your paper that will be seen and read by your professors and peers. Therefore, it must be good and thought-provoking. A nursing essay’s introduction contains three parts, a hook sentence, background information and a thesis statement. These parts of the intro’s outline are essential and help you present your opinion on the topic.

A hook sentence is the first sentence at the start of the paper and captures your reader’s attention quickly. It can be a quote, fact, historical information or thought-provoking statement. Its primary job is to make your readers stay on the page so they feel excited about the information you added in the paper.

Background information is where you provide information related to your topic’s history. Here you must inform your audience about the existence of the problem and the need for a solution. With historical context, it’s easy for your readers to understand the issue and show interest in finding its solution.

The last part is a thesis statement that we already talked about and it will be placed after providing a background to your readers. Let’s have a look at a nursing paper introduction example on “Diabetes”.

“According to the IDF (International Diabetes Federation), 90% of diabetics are suffering from CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease). From 1812 diabetes was classified as a disease but there was no information available related to its treatment and onset. In 1979 the classification and its mechanism was understood by physicians in America and the UK. Now diabetes is the leading cause of ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) around the world with more than 10 million deaths every year”.

Add Your Arguments in Body Paragraph(s)

The body part is where you must add your arguments and supporting evidence. Your academic challenges start here and end here. An immaculate body paragraph guarantees your dominance over the subject under discussion. Medical students need to structure their papers in a specific, organized form that helps them convey their opinions.

Academic learners may start the body paragraph of their nursing assignment with a topic sentence that summarizes the entire content in one line. By reading this sentence, your audience knows what’s inside the paragraph and its content.

Key Points to Remember while composing body section

  • Topic sentence should start your paragraph and must be relatable to your thesis statement.
  • After writing this sentence, break it down and explain each point with evidence.
  • Evidence that you’ve collected from books, journals, articles or online videos must be mentioned here. You must back your argument with the evidence collected from the sources mentioned above.
  • Presenting evidence is not as important as analyzing it and proving your point. You might want to challenge the findings. Hence you must present your analysis on it.
  • If you have plenty of evidence, add them one by one and comment on them similarly.
  • Use transitions to connect two different ideas or continuation of your narrative.

Have a look at a mock example of a nursing research paper for a better understanding:

“Since the 1960s diabetes has caused a rapid increase in mortality and comorbidity in patients. On average, diabetics live 15 to 20 years less than non-diabetics. ADA (American Diabetes Association) conducted a study in 2001 that provides mean results that prove Diabetics live 8 years less than non-diabetics. Diabetes is the biggest reason for MI (Myocardial Infarction) and ACD (Acute Coronary Disease).

Moreover, Diabetes costs American insurance companies more than 25$ Billion every year in treatments. With continuous evolution in diagnostics and biotechnology in detecting early onset, diabetes is spreading rapidly. IDF (International Diabetes Federation) has predicted that by 2030, there will be a 12% increase in patients suffering from diabetes.

While many healthcare governing bodies like WHO, IDF, EASD and ADA are doing their best, it’s still not enough. UKPDS and ADVANCE-ON studies have shown quantitative results in which the majority of diabetics have no or less information regarding their disease. These results highlight the importance and value a “Diabetes Educator” can play in spreading valuable information to patients.

The benefits of a medical check-up with your physician are important, but a home visit by a diabetes educator can help in overcoming this pandemic. In France, it’s mandatory for patients to have a weekly home appointment with an educator. That’s a primary reason France has seen a 13% decline in hospitalization of diabetics in 2013.

Based on the above discussion, we can safely conclude that Diabetes is a global pandemic. Healthcare bodies are doing their best to curb its damages by issuing new guidelines and approval of new medicines such as “Semaglutide” , “DPP4” inhibitors and “Sulfonylureas”.  Along with physicians, diabetes educators can prevent the severity and further complications of this disease.

Add a Conclusion

A conclusion summarizes the paper’s discussion in one paragraph by a few techniques that we will mention here. To start a nursing assignment’s conclusion, you must restate your thesis statement and provide a connection between the intro, body and its ending. 

Secondly, a summary of the main discussion provides your audience with an overview of the entire story. Even if they missed an important point of the topic, they can read it in the summary of the main points. A conclusion provides you an opportunity for a last chance to persuade your readers and convince them of your stance. 

Common mistakes that might make your concluding paragraph powerless are mentioned below:

  • Using repetitive words, same as used in the above paragraphs.
  • Don’t force your audience but persuade them through evidence and their significance.
  • Use new words but don’t change your narrative because changing the narrative will also change the context.
  • A closing statement should not be your thesis statement but your personal opinion based on your research. Avoid repetition in making this part redundant.

An example of a mock conclusion

“In this paper, we have seen multiple results that point to premature deaths in diabetics regardless of the medication used. Diabetes does result in complications like nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, macro and microvascular complications. The role of primary care physicians, endocrinologists and diabetes educators is more important than anyone else. By making mandatory home visits, diabetes educators can help in managing diabetes and informing patients on the consequences of this disease.” 

Student attendants can follow this example and effortlessly write amazing research in nursing paper.

Choosing Appropriate Citation Style

The last part of writing a nursing research paper is choosing the appropriate citation style. This format style guides you on how to cite sources you’ve collected in APA or MLA. The most commonly used citation format is APA (American Psychological Association) and then MLA (Modern Language Association).

Nursing Papers Unveiled: Impact and Significance

Students need to understand the academic importance of nursing papers. These assignments played a significant role in their medical understanding and development of professionalism. Let’s discuss this topic thoroughly:

Importance of Nursing Papers in Student’s Life

Medical assignments are the most important factor in a student’s life. They help develop thoughts and provide opportunities to research and understand disease and its treatment. An assignment for medical nursing students plays the following role in their lives.

  • Providing hands-on experience in understanding the subject matter from a practitioner’s point of view.
  • It provides them with in-depth information on a particular topic and lets them brainstorm.
  • Promotes medical knowledge that will be pivotal in their clinical practices and patient care.
  • Enhancing problem solutions without wasting time.
  • Understanding the critical needs of patients and managing them appropriately.
  • Preparing students beforehand so they perform better in real-world or healthcare practice.
  • Finding better treatment prophylaxis and helping in the continual improvement of medical care.
  • Working with Medical Specialists and learning from their experiences

These are some of the important roles these medical assignments play in students’ lives.

Exploring Trending Nursing Paper Topics

If you’re searching for the best subjects for your nursing assignment, end your search here. Thoroughly check this list and choose any one of your likings that fulfills the criteria.

20+ Interesting Nursing Paper Topics

  • Managing patients in an oncology ward
  • Treatment for ACS (Acute Coronary Syndrome)
  • How to care for a first-degree burn patient?
  • Metabolic acidosis in CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) patients
  • Five basic rules of blood transfusion
  • Treatment prophylaxis for skin lesions
  • Protocols for Covid-19 patients
  • Use of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) in medical facility
  • Fundamentals of Dialysis Center
  • DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) and its protocols of treatment
  • Snake bites and use of anti-venom in standing urgent care and medical emergency
  • Food poisoning and its treatment
  • Supervision of cannabis usage in patients suffering from cancer
  • Managing patient care in remote areas
  • AIDS and patient care
  • Orthopedic patient care and mobility issues
  • Misuse of drugs by medical staff
  • Responsibilities of nursing staff
  • Sexual relationships between nurses 
  • Clinical malpractices and how to avoid it
  • Inaccurate physician’s assessment and tackling it 
  • Rapid plasma glucose checkup
  • Treating patients of STD (Sexual Transmitted Disease)
  • Needs of rape victims in a healthcare facility
  • Psychological support to patients 

Check this out, we have written 200 Nursing topics to help you better understand.

These carefully curated topics will help you find your niche in medical nursing assignments. Help yourself by choosing anyone and make a powerful impact on your class.

Integrating Evidence-Based Practice in Your Paper

It’s vital for students to establish evidence-based practice in nursing papers and create an effective plan to implement them in their work. There are many ways you can achieve the best results by following them:

  • Take guidelines from CMDT (Current Medical Treatment & Diagnosis).
  • Regularly visit the website of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) for new practice guidelines.
  • Apply for membership in the Nursing and Allied Health Resources Section. You can get authentic resources of practice and take notes of them for using them in your assignment.
  • Read CDC (Center for Disease Control) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines on different disease treatment protocols and latest trials.

You can easily apply evidence-based practice in nursing papers by visiting these sources.

Nurturing Ideas: Crafting Pediatric Nursing Papers

Pediatrics is a field of medical science that deals with treating diseases that affect children up to the age of 16 years. It’s the same as treating general patients who are adults but treatment protocols here change due to the less potent immune systems of children and neonates. Similarly, pediatric nursing papers are the backbone of innovation and new drug introduction. Nursing students who like to practice in the pediatric department need to work twice as hard as in the general medicine department.

Additionally, pediatric nursing papers present new challenges, and students must be able to withstand them. A small mistake can have catastrophic outcomes. Hence students are required to do 6 months of supervision work with trained nurses before they are allowed to practice alone.

Guide to Geriatric Nursing Papers

Similar to pediatrics, geriatrics nursing papers are equally challenging. In medical science, geriatrics deals with patients older than 60 or 65 years. These patients require special care because of their age and vulnerability to getting sick quickly due to weaker immune systems.

To make geriatric nursing papers with absolutely no mistakes, students must spend a few hours in this speciality. Students may take notes from their ward visits, review each case and brainstorm for the best treatment and care solutions. Students are more likely to adopt best practices by doing this every day.

Ethics in Nursing Papers: Navigating Moral Dilemmas

Composing medical assignments challenges your skills and knowledge and offers a view for moral perspectives. There are many ethical considerations in nursing papers that students must adhere to. These reservations include the following points:

  • Always use scientific data from reputable sources.
  • Never claim anything without properly identifying the nature and results of the research.
  • Only use sources after getting prior authorization to use them in your nursing paper.
  • Patient care always comes first, regardless of the nature or conflicts in medical treatment.
  • Always acquiring and using patient data with signed and attested papers for research purposes and informing them of all the intricacies.
  • Never copy data or details of other students’ work to use in your research paper unless your professor allows it.

Nursing learners must adhere to these ethical considerations in nursing papers. Following these principles and moralities serve their profession well and make them honest in their work.

Avoid These Mistakes While Writing Your Research Paper on Nursing

Students make many mistakes when they start a research paper on nursing. Some of the common ones are mentioned below:

  • Using irrelevant data
  • Not doing thorough research
  • Not having enough understanding of the disease
  • Making assumptions on disease prognosis without evidence
  • Using proprietary research without authorization
  • Selecting a topic out of discipline or nature of scope
  • Using plagiarized content
  • Adding disputed research with dubious record
  • Non-adherence to academic rules and guidelines provided by your professor

Abstract Writing for Nursing Papers

An abstract is your summary of the entire research, it’s a concise 300 to 600 words section. Nursing paper abstracts are sometimes lengthier than typical research papers. Here is an example of this section:

“Diabetes causes various types of disease that range from macro and micro vascular ones to metabolic. This research paper has acquired data from IDF and EASD and came to a conclusion that more than 80% of patients suffer premature deaths and renal failures. The data acquisition method is quantitative with retrospective diagnosis and diagnostic tests such as eGFR, Random Blood Serum and Fasting Blood Serum Testing kits in use. Majority of the patients have elevated serum glucose level 240 mg/dl or above. eGFR of 92% patients was between 60ml/min that puts them on stage 3 CKD. It’s evident that diabetes causes mortality and renal failure.”

It’s hard for students to compose nursing paper abstracts from scratch. This mock example will help them in the long term.

Perfecting Your Nursing Paper: Editing and Proofreading

Editing and proofreading is the last thing you must consider when making last-minute changes to your content. Polishing your nursing paper helps you present your opinion clearly and concisely without vague statements.

Writing a nursing paper is only possible when students know all the medical details of this profession. Our guide provides you with sufficient medical details related to this subject. Read it carefully, and you’ll be able to create amazing assignments for medical class. This expert’s guide helps to overcome the gaps in this field by allowing students to jump-start the learning process.

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How to Write a Nurse Paper

You’ll be required to write a nurse paper during your nursing studies, whether mid-course or near the end. This assignment challenges students to develop research skills, analyze various sources, and provide well-supported arguments. Writing a nurse paper is far from simple, as it requires a thorough thesis presentation, proper use of statistics, and correct referencing. However, with a comprehensive guide, the process becomes much more manageable.

What Is a Nurse Paper?

A nurse paper is an academic research assignment driven by a thesis focused on a specific topic, either assigned by the instructor or chosen by the student. As a nursing student, your task is to present supporting evidence on your topic grounded in thorough research.

Nursing students working on their practicum or those studying nursing methodology or evaluation may be required to complete a nurse essay . This involves conducting systematic research, analyzing statistics, exploring nursing theories, and drawing conclusions. Nurse essays can vary in length, typically starting at five pages or more.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Nurse Paper

Research is essential in nursing because it enhances the field and improves patient care. Here’s a step-by-step process for writing an exceptional nurse essay .

Selecting a Topic for Your Nurse Paper

The first step in writing a nurse essay is selecting a topic. In most cases, your instructor will provide several options, but if none of the topics spark your interest, you may have the option to choose one related to your nursing specialization.

It’s crucial to pick a topic that captivates you or one you feel passionate about. Before finalizing your decision, ensure that the topic has ample theoretical resources and that you feel confident in your ability to tackle it.

Ensuring Topic Relevance

The relevance of your chosen topic to your course is as important as your interest in it. Opt for a subject that other researchers have explored in the past, as this will make it easier to find reliable and up-to-date sources. While relying on existing research, aim to introduce fresh perspectives or insights to make your paper stand out.

Additionally, ensure your topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. A broad topic might make it challenging to focus on critical points, while a narrow one could limit your ability to find enough evidence. To strike the right balance, consider contemporary issues related to your chosen topic and ensure enough credible sources are available.

  Nurse Paper Topic Ideas : Inspiration for Your Next Nursing Research Paper

Selecting a topic is a critical part of writing a successful nurse paper . Drawing from the tips above, here are some compelling nurse essay topic ideas that can help spark your research:

  • Racism in the healthcare system
  • Sleep disorders in women
  • Innovations in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Nursing
  • Limitations of quantitative studies in nursing research
  • The role of professional nurses
  • Basic guidelines for catastrophe victim care
  • Sensory system changes in older adults: nursing care approaches
  • Instructional Methods for EBP
  • Evaluating meditative therapy for individuals with cognitive impairments
  • Misconceptions About Evidence-Based Practices Among Nurses
  • The Importance of EBP Skills in Nursing
  • Critical Care Nursing Management
  • Telephone Care’s Impact on Postnatal Therapy
  • Effectiveness of Machine Learning in Dementia Detection for Older Adults
  • Contributions of Nursing Theorists
  • Gender Bias in the Nursing Profession
  • Establishing a Private Medical Practice
  • Balancing Nursing as an Occupation and a Service to Others
  • Evidence-Based Recommendations in Primary Care
  • Quantitative Studies and Sampling Techniques in Nursing Research
  • Standard Protocol for Adult Headache Treatment
  • Roles of Nursing Professionals
  • Evaluation Methods in Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
  • Basic Education Guidelines for Gynecology
  • Mother-Child Bonding: The Parenting Experience in Women
  • Challenges in Healthcare Contracting
  • Ethical Considerations in Treating Homeless Populations
  • EBP in Nursing Administration
  • History and Analysis of Eating Disorder Treatments
  • HHV6: Pathogenesis, Immunology, and Treatment
  • Challenges for New Nurses in Adopting EBP
  • The Role of Social Work and Health Promotion Specialists
  • The Evolution of Nursing from the 20th to the 21st Century
  • Preferred Research Methods in Nursing: Qualitative, Quantitative, or Mixed

These topics can help you develop a well-researched and engaging nurse essay while ensuring your work contributes meaningful insights to nursing.

Finding Reliable Sources for Your Nurse Paper

Once you’ve chosen your nurse essay topic, the next step is gathering reliable, credible, and current sources to support your research. Whether you use the library or online resources, ensure your information comes from trustworthy sources. Avoid websites that could jeopardize your academic integrity. Instead, focus on using academic journals, government, and educational websites. Here’s what to look for:

  • Academic Journals: Focus on journals related to Nursing, Healthcare, Medicine, and similar fields.
  • Government or Educational Websites: Websites ending in .gov or .edu are typically reputable for academic use.
  • Databases and Digital Libraries: Use general and specialized databases to find nursing and medical resources.

Some of the best online databases for nursing topics include:

  • CINAHL Plus: A valuable resource for nursing and health-related research.
  • Nursing Reference Center Plus: Offers evidence-based information on nursing practice.
  • Cochrane Library: Provides clinical treatment insights based on medical evidence.
  • PubMed: Part of the National Library of Medicine, offering various nursing and life sciences citations.
  • MEDLINE: A bibliographic database covering numerous medical disciplines, including nursing and healthcare administration.

Planning and Preparing for Your Nurse Paper

Once you’ve selected a topic and gathered reliable sources, it’s time to plan and prepare your nurse essay . While you may have a general idea of your paper’s direction, organizing your thoughts and ideas through prewriting strategies can significantly improve your writing process.

Brainstorming

Before starting your paper , review all the information you’ve gathered on your topic. Begin brainstorming by writing down key points related to your research. This exercise helps organize your thoughts and identify areas that require further exploration.

Freewriting

Another effective technique is freewriting, which is writing down sentences or lists based on your initial ideas. Freewriting encourages new perspectives and allows you to expand on your core ideas, creating a foundation for further research.

Mind-Mapping

You can also create a mind map, which visually outlines your paper’s structure . Start by identifying and using your main ideas as your map’s core. Then, branch out with supporting points and evidence. This approach helps you see the connections between different elements of your nurse paper.

Structuring Your Nurse Paper : Creating an Outline

Once you’ve organized your thoughts through brainstorming, freewriting, or mind mapping, it’s time to create an outline . An outline is essential for structuring your nurse essay logically and professionally. It revolves around your thesis statement and includes a list of the main points you’ll discuss in your paper. Review each key point and ensure they cover all crucial aspects of your topic. A well-organized outline will guide you through the writing process and help you produce a cohesive and compelling nurse essay.

Nurse Paper Outline: A Guide for Structuring Your Nursing Paper

To achieve top grades on your nurse essay , following a proper format or structure, typically outlined by your instructor, is essential. In most cases, nursing papers should adhere to the American Psychological Association (APA) format, which sets clear guidelines for the structure and style of your paper.

In the APA format, a typical nursing essay includes a title page, abstract, main body, and reference list. It should be written in Times New Roman, size 12 font, and any in-text citations should follow the author-date format. Direct quotes should also include the page number. Always check and follow any additional instructions your instructor provides.

Here’s a breakdown of a standard APA-formatted nurse paper:

The title page should include:

  • The running head
  • The title of your nurse essay
  • Your school or college affiliation

The abstract appears on its page with the title “Abstract” at the top. It summarizes your nurse paper, highlighting the key points, the value your paper adds to existing research, and your interpretation of the findings.

The main body of your nurse assignment consists of three key sections:

  • Introduction: This section gives an overview of your topic, including background information, the problem you aim to address, and your thesis statement, which encapsulates the main argument of your paper .
  • Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should expand on the arguments mentioned in the introduction and be supported by evidence, facts, statistics, and real-life examples. Make sure each point is thoroughly evaluated and supported.
  • Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the key points discussed in the body paragraphs and reiterates the thesis statement. Avoid introducing new information in this section.

Reference Page

The reference page should be on a separate sheet with the title “References” at the top. Ensure all references are formatted according to the APA referencing style, and all sources cited in your paper are listed.

Proofreading and Editing Your Nurse Paper

Once you’ve completed your nurse assignment, it’s crucial to proofread and edit it to ensure clarity, correctness, and academic integrity.

  • Grammar and Punctuation: Check for any grammar or punctuation errors. Tools like Grammarly can help identify and correct mistakes.
  • Plagiarism Check: Use plagiarism detection tools like Turnitin or Copyscape to ensure your paper is free from plagiarism. This is especially important in academic writing to avoid penalties.
  • Language and Tone: Ensure your paper has a formal academic tone. Avoid contractions, slang, or idiomatic expressions, as academic papers require precise and professional language.
  • Seek Feedback: Consider asking a friend or a professional to review your paper. A second set of eyes can help you identify weaknesses and improve the overall quality of your nurse assignment.

Following this structured approach, you can write a well-organized, precise,  professional nurse assignment that adheres to academic standards.

How to Write the Best Introduction for a Nurse Paper

The introduction of a nurse assignment plays a critical role in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the paper. A strong introduction can engage your audience, while a weak one may disinterest them. Creating a well-written introduction is crucial to making an excellent first impression.

To write a practical introduction, you should focus on the following key elements:

  • Grab the reader’s attention
  • Include the thesis statement
  • Introduce the topic of the paper
  • Highlight key points
  • State the problem your paper aims to address

Steps for Writing an Effective Introduction for a Nurse Paper

  • Introduce the Topic. Begin your nurse assignment by clearly stating the topic you will discuss. Make the introduction engaging and relevant to your readers. You can start with a thought-provoking quote, a surprising statistic, or a compelling question to draw readers in.
  • Set the Background. Every paper requires a context or background. If you are writing a research paper, provide a brief overview of existing studies on the topic, identifying gaps that your paper will address. In the case of an argumentative paper, focus on the specific aspect of the topic you will discuss, ensuring not to overwhelm the introduction with unnecessary details.
  • State the Research Problem. The introduction should convince the reader that your paper addresses a significant research question. Explain how your nurse assignment will fill the gaps in existing research and provide solutions to the problems identified.
  • Present the Thesis Statement. Clearly state the main objective of your paper in the form of a thesis statement or a central research question. The thesis should be concise—no more than two sentences—and give the reader a clear idea of the purpose of your paper.

Tips for Writing a Nurse Paper

If you want to write an outstanding nurse assignment, following these expert-verified tips will help streamline the process and improve your final product:

  • Choose an Engaging Nursing Topic

One of the most critical steps in writing a nurse assignment is selecting a topic that interests you. If you’re passionate about the subject, writing the paper will be more enjoyable and less challenging. For instance, consider topics like fall prevention or managing the aging population if you are interested in geriatric care. Other issues could include:

  • Patient safety
  • Nurse training and credentials
  • Nursing regulations and state laws
  • Mental health care
  • Healthcare informatics
  • Ethical issues in nursing

Choose a topic backed by data or widely debated in scientific literature, ensuring enough material supports your research.

  • Carefully Review the Instructions

Before starting your nurse assignment , thoroughly read and understand the instructions provided by your instructor. This will guide you through the expectations and prevent you from losing marks due to missed details. Reviewing the guidelines will help you:

  • Understand the required scholarly sources
  • Grasp the scope of the paper
  • Plan according to the deadline
  • Organize your research and structure your paper effectively
  • Identify the theoretical or conceptual frameworks needed
  • Clarify whether you are required to use specific sources or conduct independent research

If you encounter any uncertainty in the instructions, seek clarification before writing.

  • Plan Your Paper Structure

After selecting your topic and understanding the instructions, create an outline for your nurse paper. A clear structure will organize your writing process and help maintain a logical flow throughout the paper.

Writing a nurse assignment , whether analytical, argumentative, or explanatory, requires careful planning and a solid understanding of the subject. Most nurse assignments follow the American Psychological Association (APA) format, which ensures consistency. To succeed, you’ll need a firm grasp of the content, research skills, persuasive abilities, and good organizational strategies—none of which can be achieved without proper planning.

Once you’ve received your nursing paper assignment , familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines and instructions. This includes understanding the topic and the required word count. Next, dedicate time to planning by outlining the structure of your paper. This step helps you determine the main sections and decide how you will approach the topic.

Organize Your Nurse Paper

After selecting your sources, organize them in a dedicated folder and use citation management tools to keep track of them. You must arrange your research paper’s bibliography based on the gathered information, ensuring it adheres to APA standards.

You can also bookmark relevant websites or use citation management systems like Zotero or EndNote to link your sources digitally. Once your research is complete, begin writing your paper. Start with a thesis statement that clearly outlines the primary focus of your nurse assignment.

Use your outline as a roadmap for writing. It will help maintain the flow of ideas and ensure all essential points are addressed. To stay productive, consider using techniques like the Pomodoro method, where you work in focused intervals with short breaks in between.

Start Researching and Writing Early

When writing a nurse paper , don’t wait until the last minute. Starting early will give you more time to find credible sources, organize your ideas, and create a well-researched paper. Utilize scholarly nursing databases to find reliable sources and sift through the available data as needed.

As you research, you’ll either refine or develop your thesis statement. Although you can consult general sources like Wikipedia or Google for background information, the academic sources you use in your paper should be reputable and relevant.

Utilize Citation Tools

Tools like Zotero, EndNote, and RefWorks can help you manage your citations efficiently. These programs allow you to organize your references, ensuring that you adhere to the required citation style, whether APA, AMA, ASA, or Harvard.

These tools allow you to create accurate bibliographies and easily insert them into your paper. This approach also reduces the risk of missing citations, which can lead to plagiarism. Adding citations as you write helps maintain a steady flow of ideas and ensures your work is well-supported by credible sources.

Proofread and Edit Your Nurse Paper

After completing your paper, take time to review and edit it thoroughly. Before final submission, ensure that your nurse essay meets all the required standards. Focus on the structure, organization, word choice, and length. Check if your thesis statement is clearly presented and the introduction and conclusion effectively frame your paper’s arguments.

You may want to hire a professional editor to review your paper for revisions. They can ensure that your paper meets the requirements and help with proofreading. If you need assistance integrating feedback, consider seeking help from experts specializing in nursing papers.

The Bottom Line

Following these guidelines, you’re on the right track to writing a high-quality nurse essay. By choosing a suitable topic, conducting thorough research with credible sources, creating a structured outline, and proofreading your work before submission, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in your nursing assignments.

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Seven APA Formatting Mistakes in Nursing Papers - and How to Fix Them

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Academic writing in nursing is no walk in the park. Between juggling clinical rotations, patient care plans, and a gazillion other responsibilities, you are must master the elusive American Psychological Association (APA) format. It is the gold standard of academic writing, for most nursing schools, but it can feel more like fool’s gold when you are struggling to get it right.

Given our vast experience both as nursing students and now as online nursing paper writing service, we have prepared this guide for you. You will learn about the five most common APA formatting mistakes that you are probably making in your nursing assignments and, more importantly, how to avoid them like a pro. By the end of this article, you will have actionable tips and practical pointers to level up your writing game. Let us dive in!

Why APA formatting Matters in Nursing Assignments

APA formatting is not just about margins, citations, and fonts; it is about presenting your ideas professionally and consistently.

Nursing education relies heavily on evidence-based practices, and APA ensures your references are accurate, accessible, and credible. Think of it as the white coat for your academic writing: clean, professional, and essential.

You should care about writing your papers in APA style because a messy formatting can cost you precious marks—and your sanity. It also makes your work less credible. In a field where accuracy can mean life or death, sloppy citation habits just will not cut it.

Now that you probably have the content down and want to edit the paper, you would want to check whether you have adhered to the APA formatting guidelines. Although this might seem trivial, it is vital. Let us explore the common mistakes, including how to avoid them for the highest nursing school grades.

Mistake #1: Forgetting to Cite Properly in Text

You have done the hard work of researching peer-reviewed articles, but then you “accidentally” forget to cite them or you fake them as most AI writing tools do . This is not just an oversight; it is flirting with plagiarism, which comes with a hoard of consequences. Here is how to avoid this:

  • Know the Basics. APA in-text citations follow the author-date format: (Author, Year) or (Author, Year, p. X) for direct quotes.
  • Use Citation Tools. Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can streamline citation management.
  • Master Paraphrasing . If quoting seems daunting, learn to paraphrase correctly. Check out our detailed guide on effective paraphrasing for tips.
  • Always crosscheck that you have cited every source in your reference list in the text—and vice versa.

When in doubt, over-cite rather than under-cite. Your professor would rather see too many parentheses than none at all.

Mistake #2: Misformatting the Reference Page

The reference page is often where students lose precious points. Whether it is inconsistent spacing, missing italics, or the infamous “et al.” dilemma, a sloppy reference page can turn an A into a B. To avoid ending up with an “ Oops” reference list, do this:

  • Journal Article : Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume (issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxx
  • Book : Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle . Publisher.
  • Use Online Reference Generators . Websites such as citefast, BibMe, or citethisforme can auto-generate perfect APA references.
  • Pay Attention to Details: Double-check for punctuation, capitalization, and DOI formatting.

Think of your reference page as a first date; it is all about making a polished impression. If you mess it up, and you are not getting a callback!

Mistake #3: Improper Formatting of Headings and Subheadings

Headings guide readers through your assignment like a well-lit path. Unfortunately, many students either ignore them entirely or overcomplicate things with a creative flair APA does not appreciate. If you find yourself in this situation, do this to avoid it:

  • Level 1: Centered, Bold, Title Case Heading
  • Level 2: Flush Left, Bold, Title Case Heading
  • Level 3: Flush Left, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading
  • Keep it logical. Use headings to segment your paper into clear sections, like Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.
  • Do not go overboard . Avoid unnecessary embellishments like colors, funky fonts, or ALL CAPS (unless you are shouting at your computer in frustration).

Before submission, review APA’s headings guide to ensure your paper shines.

Mistake #4: Messing Up Tables and Figures

Tables and figures are fantastic tools for visualizing data, but APA has strict rules about how to present them. Missing titles, unlabeled axes, or incorrect citations are common culprits. Here is how to avoid it:

  • Example: Table 1: Patient Demographics
  • Place Them Correctly. Include tables/figures after the paragraph where they are first mentioned, not at the end of your document like an appendix.
  • Cite Your Sources. If the data is not your own, acknowledge it with an in-text citation below the table or figure.

Mistake #5: Overlooking Small Formatting Details

The devil is in the details, and APA loves its details. Common errors include:

  • Wrong font type or size (Hint: It’s Times New Roman, 12-point).
  • Incorrect margins (Hint: 1 inch on all sides).
  • Improper running head or page numbers.

If you are always losing marks on formatting, here is what you can do to remedy that.

  • Follow the template religiously. Use our APA Paper Template to ensure every detail is perfect.
  • Check the Manual. Keep the latest APA Publication Manual handy. (Alternatively, bookmark the official APA style website.)
  • Use Grammarly or a Professional Editor . Even the best writers need a second pair of eyes. If you are short on time, our editing services can give your paper a professional polish.

Mistake #6: Errors when Citing Multiple Sources in APA

When citing sources in APA 7, you know the basics: include the author’s last name and the publication year in an in-text citation. However, what happens when there is more than one author? This is where many students slip up—forgetting key punctuation, misplacing the year, or mixing up how to format the citation. Here is a simple breakdown to help you get it right every time:

Two Authors

  • Example: Reports by Erick and Joe (2024) suggest...
  • Example: ...as indicated in the report (Erick & Joe, 2024).

Three to Five Authors

  • Example: (Erick, Joe, Berry, & Ruat, 2024)
  • Example: (Erick et al., 2024)

Six or More Authors

For works with six or more authors, APA 7 simplifies things:

  • Cite only the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.” and the year, even for the first mention.

Mistake #7: Incorrect Quotations

Quoting sources is a vital part of academic writing, but it is surprisingly easy to mess up. From forgetting quotation marks to misplacing citations or neglecting the exact wording, incorrect quotations can lead to confusion, misrepresentation, and even accusations of plagiarism.

  • Example: According to Erick (2024), “Patient-centered care improves outcomes significantly” (p. 45).
  • Example: (Erick, 2024, p. 45) or (Erick, 2024, para. 8).
  • Do not over quote . Use quotes sparingly—only when the original wording is particularly impactful or technical. Over quoting can overshadow your own voice.
  • Example: Erick (2017) stated, “Patient outcomes improve…when care is patient-centered” (p. 45).

If you are unsure about integrating quotes smoothly, check out our guide to paraphrasing and quoting effectively for helpful strategies. Remember, quoting carelessly is like misdiagnosing a patient—it might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can have disastrous consequences!

Related Readings:

  • How to write a 5-page nursing essay.
  • How to format a QSEN clinical integration paper.
  • Formatting your nursing assignment in APA.
  • APA7 vs. APA 6 formatting style distinctions.

How NurseMyGrade Can Help You Master APA Formatting

Are you feeling overwhelmed with your APA nursing paper? You don’t have to go it alone. At NurseMyGrade, we understand the pressures of nursing school. That is why we offer custom writing services tailored specifically for nursing students. Our team includes qualified nursing practitioners who deliver high quality, original papers that meet all your academic needs—including perfect APA formatting.

  • Expert Writers and no AI. Only professionals with real-world nursing experience will handle your papers. No mistake and we write everything from scratch. The writers cite peer-reviewed articles and never use any AI when writing – we prefer doing it the good old way.
  • Plagiarism-Free Guarantee . You get 100% unique content with fresh perspectives.
  • Timely Delivery . Deadlines are sacred to us. No matter how urgent your paper is, we have your back.
  • Formatting Perfection. APA, AMA, Harvard, or any other formatting style, we have experts who will nail that nursing paper online for you at an affordable price.

To Sum Up: Ace APA like a Pro

APA formatting may seem like a minefield, but with a little attention to detail and the right resources, you can ace it. Remember, it is not just about avoiding penalties; it is about presenting your ideas in a way that reflects your professionalism as a future nurse.

Are you still struggling with APA or running out of time? Order a custom nursing paper from NurseMyGrade and let us take the formatting headaches off your plate. Whether you need help with citations, proofreading, or a full paper, we are here to make your academic journey a little smoother—and a lot more successful.

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