nursing process essay examples

Best Guide for Writing a Nursing Process Essay

Are you struggling with a nursing process essay assignment? Worry not. Our online nursing writers understand that a nursing process essay is challenging to write because it requires a deep understanding of all the critical steps involved. For this reason, our writers have come up with a comprehensive guide to help you. We have also defined what a nursing process essay is, its purpose, and its characteristics. We have also provided an outline to guide you through the process of writing the essay and included a sample.

Short History of the Nursing Process

The term nursing process was first uttered in 1955 by Lydia Hall, a nursing theorist. She introduced three significant steps to the process: observation, administration of care, and validation.

But in 1967, Yura and Walsh further developed the process by adding assessment as the fourth step. From there, the process was referred to as (APIE). However, it wasn't until 1974 that the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) added the nursing diagnosis to the process, making it a five-step process.

What is a Nursing Process?

A nursing process is a systematic method used by healthcare professionals, including nurses, to provide care to patients in healthcare facilities. It involves a series of steps that lead one to accomplish the set goals. A nursing process ensures that caregivers offer individualized, holistic, effective, patient-focused care to all.

The process is based on the Standards of Professional Nursing Practice established by the American Nurses Association (ANA). These standards guide nurses' behaviors and actions regardless of their roles, positions, populations, or capacities. To provide care to patients, caregivers must adopt critical thinking skills, client-centred approaches to treatment, goal-oriented tasks, evidence-based practice (EDP) recommendations, and nursing intuition.

A nursing process consists of the following components: assessment (data collection), Nursing Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. Use the mnemonic ADPIE to help remember these steps.

What is the Purpose of a Nursing Process?

Many nursing students, at some point, will ask themselves what the purpose of the nursing process essay is without realizing how essential it is in the medical field. That said, the following are all the reasons why the nursing process is needed:

• To establish the needs of a patient.
• Develop plans that meet the identified.
• Develop specific nursing interventions that meet those needs.
• Provide professional nursing care to all.
• To properly guide nursing practices for activities that include health promotion and protection and disease prevention.
• Providing a foundation for nurses and nurses students to practice to understand their critical thinking skills.
• The nursing process is important to pharmacotherapeutics as it guides drug administration decisions.

Research has shown that incorporating the nursing process into patient care is critical in the dynamic, complex world of patient care. It is especially important in the care of the aging population who suffer from various health problems and are also at risk of experiencing missed chances to spot life-threatening illnesses.

Characteristics of the Nursing Process

The nursing process has some distinguishing characteristics that you must be aware of before writing a nursing process essay.

• Goel-oriented - a nursing process essay must be guided by specific goals and purposes based on the health of the patient. Please note that the goals should be driven by the patient's problems and report your problems as a nurse.
• The organized/systematic process comprises five significant steps , each depending on the others.
• Cyclic and dynamic —the nursing process is continuous because it is hard to predict health issues, as they can change over time.
• Individualized & Humanistic Care— The nursing process provides a foundation of care based on each patient's needs. This means that the plan of care for one patient will not be the same as that of another. For example, a 10-year-old patient with diabetes will not have the same plan of care as that of a 70-year-old man.
• Involves decision-making skills - caregivers make critical decisions for the sake of the patient's life. The nursing process provides a systematic step in which they can make these decisions.

Outline of a Nursing Process Essay

Now that you know what a nursing process is, it's time to determine what should be included in a nursing process essay.

Introduction

This is the first paragraph of your nursing process essay, which introduces the readers to what the paper is about. In any healthcare setting, every nurse must address patients' needs and concerns. When this is not done at all or done inefficiently, the life of the patient is jeopardized.

One must understand that nurses must consider the patient holistically. In other words, they should focus on the patient's physical, spiritual, mental, and social well-being to understand how to effectively care for them.

Nurse Process

After the introduction, jump right into the process and discuss each of them individually.

Please note that each step in the nursing process is critical and requires patients' collaboration to ensure its effectiveness. Furthermore, it doesn't have any specified time; it can last days, months, or years, depending on the client's health status.

At this stage, Talk about these steps in relation to the patient under discussion.

Steps of a Nursing Process

The following are the five stages of the nursing process that you can use to write your essay. Each step relies on the efficiency of the others, so it's important to master all of them.

Step 1: Assessment

Assessment refers to the systematic and dynamic way of collecting, analyzing, and communicating patient data, which is key in determining the proper plan of care. Sources of patient data include:

• Patient - the primary source of information.
• Family, spouses, and other friends.
• Patient records, records from members of health care.
• Medical history, physical examination, and progress notes.
• Laboratory tests &other health professions.

The nurses use various data collection strategies by assessment to gather this information. These strategies include:

• Interviews— this includes asking the patient questions about their health, what brought them to the hospital, etc. It consists of three key stages: 1. Introduction, 2. Working, 3. Closure.
• Observations involve noting the patient's general appearance and behaviours. They are crucial in determining the client's health status, both physical and mental.
• Physical examination is done through the following techniques:
• Auscultation

After assessment, the data must be documented to ensure smooth communication among the healthcare team that will be attending to the patient.

There are various types of assessment:

• Comprehensive assessment- is completed upon patient admission to the hospital and provides a complete overview of the patient's health history and current needs.
• Focused assessment is limited to a particular healthcare need or risk. It is mostly used when screening for specific issues.
• An ongoing assessment is for following up with the patient to see how they are faring. It can also be used to monitor specific problems.

Step 2: Diagnosis

This refers to the clinical judgment given to the patient based on the results of their assessment. According to the NANDA diagnosis is the judgment based on clinical knowledge that helps in determining potential or actual patient experiences and responses to health problems and life processes.

Through diagnosis, nurses can understand the patient’s actual response to potential health problems.

Please note that there is a difference between nursing diagnosis and medical diagnosis. A medical diagnosis is given by a physician and identifies a specific disease, condition, or pathological state.

Activities conducted at this stage include:

• Interpreting and analyzing data
• Identifying the strengths and health problems of the patient.
• Formulating and validating diagnosis
• Developing a prioritized list of diagnosis
• Detecting and referring signs and symptoms indicating a problem that nurses can’t handle

At this point, there are various types of diagnosis:

• Actual diagnosis— a problem that the existence of its characteristics has validated.
• Risk nursing diagnosis- a clinical judgment that an individual is more likely to develop a certain problem.
• Possible nursing diagnosis- describe the suspected problem.
• Wellness diagnosis is judgment about a person or group of people who are transitioning from a certain level of wellness to a higher level of wellness.
• Syndrome nursing diagnoses

Step 3: Planning

Planning involves the formulation of guidelines to prevent, reduce, or resolve the identified client health problems. Some of the activities at this point include:

• Establish priorities.
• Identify what the expected patient is.
• Select the appropriate evidence-based nursing intervention for the patient.
• Communicate the plan of care to the patient and their close family.
• Record the nursing care plan in the patient's records.

For each patient issue, the nurse must assign a goal for the patient’s positive outcome. The goals of a nurse care plan must be:

• Measurable /Meaningful
• Attainable /Action-Oriented
• Realistic /Results-Oriented
• Timely /Time-Oriented

Good planning enhances communication, documentation, reimbursement, and continuity of care in every healthcare facility.

Please note that the nursing plan occurs in three stages:

• Initial plan —This is developed by the nurse who takes the patient to the hospital and performs the assessment.
• Ongoing planning— this occurs at a later stage, and the purpose is to update the patient's plan of care.
• Discharge planning — this occurs when the patient is being discharged from the hospital. The aim is to update the care plans that the patient will need after discharge.

The main goals here are to prevent disease and illness, restore health, and enable the patient to cope with altered functioning.

Related: How to format a paper in APA.

Stege 4: Implementation

What are the actions that the nurse will take to ensure the goals conducted in the planning stages come to fruition? Implementation refers to any actions/ interventions the nurse will do to improve the life of the patient.

For instance, if the goal is pain management for conditions such as arthritis, some examples of nursing interventions include Teaching critical exercises that can help reduce pain.

When writing your essay, you must highlight these interventions and ensure they are related to the patient's condition.

Nursing interventions are classified into three:

• Independent—these are those that a nurse can provide without needing a prescription. For example, monitoring a patient's 24-hour fluid intake is necessary because of the risk of imbalanced fluid volume.
• Dependent—These interventions require a prescription from a physician before they can be administered, such as the administration of prescribed scheduled diuretics.
• Collaborative— these are actions that nurses carry out in collaboration with the patient healthcare team. For example, the nurses manage oxygen therapy in consultation with the patient's respiratory therapist.

Every intervention administered must be documented to help in evaluating and examining the patient’s health status.

Step 5: Evaluation

This is the final phase of the nursing process. The evaluation aims to check whether the interventions have worked and whether the desired goals have been met. To do this, the nurse must review all the stages in the nursing process.

Evaluation is done when the nurse interacts with the patient. This phase is systematic and ongoing because the aim is to identify the factors that contribute to the patient's health success or failure. Depending on the results, the nurse can modify the plan of care.

A successful evaluation is achieved when the nurse is in constant communication with the patient throughout the process. Nurses can get feedback about what they did right or wrong, which can help them make improvements for the future.

Please note that it is important to apply critical thinking skills at every stage of the nursing process to recognize health issues that could put the life of the patient at risk and develop effective ways of dealing with them. As you write the paper, remember to include references, preferably peer-reviewed journals published in the last 5 years.

Related Read: Great Capstone Project Topics for Nursing Students.

Nursing Process Essay Example

To show you exactly how to write a nursing assessment process essay, we have put together the following example.

The example is based on a case of a 20-year-old female admitted to the hospital. Her body temperature is elevated, and she has a chesty cough producing green phlegm. Her breathing is fast with difficulty.

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that, if not treated, could lead to serious complications. Through the nursing process, I can guide my approach to determining the best form of care for the patient.

For this patient, my first step involved taking the vital signs, which include the temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry. I also assessed the lungs to determine the sounds, oxygen saturation levels, and cough produced. I went through the patient's medical history and reviewed all the medications that the patient was taking or taking for their symptoms.

Through my assessment, I found that V/S is temperature 39.1C, pulse 92 b/m, respiration rate 28 b/m, and blood pressure 122/80 mm/hg. Chest auscultation revealed respiratory crackles.

Some other signs I observed include the following:

• Adventitious breath sounds
• Abnormal respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth
• Restlessness
• Change in level of consciousness
• Ineffective or absent cough reflex

Ineffective airway clearance is caused by the accumulation of sputum, as manifested by chesty and productive cough. She is breathing rapidly and with difficulty.

The sputum cultures and sensitivities revealed the presence of infecting organisms.

The chest X-rays showed that the patient's lungs had areas of increased density. This is an indication of possible infection.

Related Reading: How to write a nursing concept analysis paper.

To help the patient, the following are the desired goals and expected outcomes:

• The patient will maintain optimal gas exchange.
• They will display and maintain a patent airway with breath sounds clearing.
• The patient will demonstrate effective coughing.
• There will be the absence of dyspnea( shortness of breath) and cyanosis by periodically clearing secretions in their airways.
• The patient will display and maintain optimal air exchange with a respiratory rate of 12 to 20 cycles per minute.

Implementations

To help the patient deal with ineffective airway clearance, I used the following interventions:

• I elevated the patient’s head at a 45-degree angle to prevent mucus secretion accumulation.
• Periodically suctioned when the patients had difficulty breathing.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs
• Monitor their level of consciousness
• Monitor respiratory status: labored respirations, cyanosis,
• Monitor their pulse oximetry.
• Administer oxygen as prescribed.
• Monitor for complications.

My plan at this point is to monitor the progress of the patient and whether the interventions administered are working. The goal of the evaluation was to help me determine whether to continue, stop, or change the interventions used.

My evaluation involved the following;

• The patient managed to move three times a day.
• The patient took all the prescribed medications, including antibiotics.
• The patient received the needed fluids.
• The patient and their family understood information about their care

My conclusion is that the interventions used helped improve the patient’s health. The patient responded positively to all the interventions.

Related Reading: How to write a nursing care plan.

Issues of Concern with the Nursing Process

Even though the nursing process is an important tool in providing quality care to patients, studies have raised issues of concern. For instance, a 2011 study conducted in Mekelle Zone hospitals showed that the majority of nurses lacked the right knowledge necessary to implement the nursing process into health practice. It showed that these nurses were inhibited by factors that included nurse-patient ratios.

90% of the study participants lacked the necessary experience to apply the process to standard practice. Other issues that inhibit nurses from applying the nursing process in providing patient care include a shortage of available resources and increased workloads caused by high patient-nurse ratios.

The nursing process is a critical tool that helps improve patient care. For nurses, the nursing care plan helps show whether your actions helped improve the health of the patient. On the other hand, patients benefit, and the nursing process is effective. When they are an active participant in their care, their health status improves.

Thus, as a nursing student, it is important to learn how to write a good nursing process essay to prepare yourself for a future career as a nurse.

If you need further help understanding this critical process or writing the essay, our writers can help. Place an order today for more information.  GradeCrest is a leading nursing custom writing website that guarantees you 100% human-hand-crafted papers that are 100% original and plagiarism-free.

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The Nursing Process: A Comprehensive Guide

In 1958, Ida Jean Orlando began developing the nursing process still evident in nursing care today. According to Orlando’s theory, the patient’s behavior sets the nursing process in motion. Through the nurse ‘s knowledge to analyze and diagnose the behavior to determine the patient’s needs.

Application of the fundamental principles of critical thinking , client-centered approaches to treatment, goal-oriented tasks, evidence-based practice (EBP) recommendations, and nursing intuition, the nursing process functions as a systematic guide to client-centered care with five subsequent steps. These are assessment , diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation ( ADPIE ).

Table of Contents

What is the nursing process.

• What is the purpose of the nursing process? 

Characteristics of the nursing process

Nursing process steps, collecting data, objective data or signs, subjective data or symptoms, verbal data, nonverbal data, primary source, secondary source, tertiary source, health interview, physical examination, observation, validating data, documenting data.

• 2. Diagnosis: “What is the problem?” 

Initial Planning

Ongoing planning, discharge planning, developing a nursing care plan, behavioral nursing interventions, community nursing interventions, family nursing interventions, health system nursing interventions, physiological nursing interventions, safety nursing interventions, skills used in implementing nursing care, 1. reassessing the client, 2. determining the nurse’s need for assistance, nursing intervention categories, independent nursing interventions, dependent nursing interventions, interdependent nursing interventions, 4. supervising the delegated care, 5. documenting nursing activities, 1. collecting data, 2. comparing data with desired outcomes, 3. analyzing client’s response relating to nursing activities, 4. identifying factors contributing to success or failure, 5. continuing, modifying, or terminating the nursing care plan, 6. discharge planning.

The nursing process is defined as a systematic, rational method of planning that guides all nursing actions in delivering holistic and patient-focused care. The nursing process is a form of scientific reasoning and requires the nurse’s critical thinking to provide the best care possible to the client.

What is the purpose of the nursing process?

The following are the purposes of the nursing process:

• To identify the client’s health status and actual or potential health care problems or needs (through assessment).
• To establish plans to meet the identified needs.
• To deliver specific nursing interventions to meet those needs.
• To apply the best available caregiving evidence and promote human functions and responses to health and illness (ANA, 2010).
• To protect nurses against legal problems related to nursing care when the standards of the nursing process are followed correctly.
• To help the nurse perform in a systematically organized way their practice.
• To establish a database about the client’s health status, health concerns, response to illness, and the ability to manage health care needs.

The following are the unique characteristics of the nursing process: 

• Patient-centered . The unique approach of the nursing process requires care respectful of and responsive to the individual patient’s needs, preferences, and values. The nurse functions as a patient advocate by keeping the patient’s right to practice informed decision-making and maintaining patient-centered engagement in the health care setting.
• Interpersonal . The nursing process provides the basis for the therapeutic process in which the nurse and patient respect each other as individuals, both of them learning and growing due to the interaction. It involves the interaction between the nurse and the patient with a common goal.
• Collaborative . The nursing process functions effectively in nursing and inter-professional teams, promoting open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care .
• Dynamic and cyclical .The nursing process is a dynamic, cyclical process in which each phase interacts with and is influenced by the other phases.
• Requires critical thinking . The use of the nursing process requires critical thinking which is a vital skill required for nurses in identifying client problems and implementing interventions to promote effective care outcomes.

The nursing process consists of five steps: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation . The acronym ADPIE is an easy way to remember the components of the nursing process. Nurses need to learn how to apply the process step-by-step. However, as critical thinking develops through experience, they learn how to move back and forth among the steps of the nursing process.

The steps of the nursing process are not separate entities but overlapping, continuing subprocesses. Apart from understanding nursing diagnoses and their definitions, the nurse promotes awareness of defining characteristics and behaviors of the diagnoses, related factors to the selected nursing diagnoses, and the interventions suited for treating the diagnoses.

The steps of the nursing process are detailed below:

1. Assessment: “What data is collected?”

The first phase of the nursing process is assessment . It involves collecting, organizing, validating, and documenting the clients’ health status. This data can be obtained in a variety of ways. Usually, when the nurse first encounters a patient, the nurse is expected to assess to identify the patient’s health problems as well as the physiological, psychological, and emotional state and to establish a database about the client’s response to health concerns or illness and the ability to manage health care needs. Critical thinking skills are essential to the assessment, thus requiring concept-based curriculum changes.

Data collection is the process of gathering information regarding a client’s health status. The process must be systematic and continuous in collecting data to prevent the omission of important information concerning the client.

The best way to collect data is through head-to-toe assessment. Learn more about it at our guide: Head to Toe Assessment: Complete Physical Assessment Guide

Types of Data

Data collected about a client generally falls into objective or subjective categories, but data can also be verbal and nonverbal. 

Objective data are overt, measurable, tangible data collected via the senses, such as sight, touch , smell , or hearing , and compared to an accepted standard, such as vital signs, intake and output , height and weight, body temperature, pulse, and respiratory rates, blood pressure , vomiting , distended abdomen, presence of edema , lung sounds, crying, skin color, and presence of diaphoresis.

Subjective data involve covert information, such as feelings, perceptions, thoughts, sensations, or concerns that are shared by the patient and can be verified only by the patient, such as nausea , pain , numbness, pruritus, attitudes, beliefs, values, and perceptions of the health concern and life events.

Verbal data are spoken or written data such as statements made by the client or by a secondary source. Verbal data requires the listening skills of the nurse to assess difficulties such as slurring, tone of voice, assertiveness, anxiety , difficulty in finding the desired word, and flight of ideas.

Nonverbal data are observable behavior transmitting a message without words, such as the patient’s body language, general appearance , facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, proxemics (distance), body language, touch, posture, clothing. Nonverbal data obtained can sometimes be more powerful than verbal data, as the client’s body language may not be congruent with what they really think or feel. Obtaining and analyzing nonverbal data can help reinforce other forms of data and understand what the patient really feels.

Sources of Data

Sources of data can be primary, secondary, and tertiary . The client is the primary source of data, while family members , support persons, records and reports, other health professionals, laboratory and diagnostics fall under secondary sources.

The client is the only primary source of data and the only one who can provide subjective data. Anything the client says or reports to the members of the healthcare team is considered primary.

A source is considered secondary data if it is provided from someone else other than the client but within the client’s frame of reference. Information provided by the client’s family or significant others are considered secondary sources of data if the client cannot speak for themselves, is lacking facts and understanding, or is a child. Additionally, the client’s records and assessment data from other nurses or other members of the healthcare team are considered secondary sources of data.

Sources from outside the client’s frame of reference are considered tertiary sources of data . Examples of tertiary data include information from textbooks, medical and nursing journals, drug handbooks, surveys, and policy and procedural manuals.

Methods of Data Collection

The main methods used to collect data are health interviews, physical examination, and observation.

The most common approach to gathering important information is through an interview. An interview is an intended communication or a conversation with a purpose, for example, to obtain or provide information, identify problems of mutual concern, evaluate change, teach, provide support, or provide counseling or therapy. One example of the interview is the nursing health history , which is a part of the nursing admission assessment. Patient interaction is generally the heaviest during the assessment phase of the nursing process so rapport must be established during this step.

Aside from conducting interviews, nurses will perform physical examinations, referencing a patient’s health history, obtaining a patient’s family history, and general observation can also be used to gather assessment data. Establishing a good physical assessment would, later on, provide a more accurate diagnosis, planning, and better interventions and evaluation .

Observation is an assessment tool that depends on the use of the five senses (sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste ) to learn information about the client. This information relates to characteristics of the client’s appearance, functioning, primary relationships, and environment. Although nurses observe mainly through sight, most of the senses are engaged during careful observations such as smelling foul odors, hearing or auscultating lung and heart sounds and feeling the pulse rate and other palpable skin deformations.

Validation is the process of verifying the data to ensure that it is accurate and factual. One way to validate observations is through “double-checking,” and it allows the nurse to complete the following tasks:

• Ensures that assessment information is double-checked, verified, and complete. For example, during routine assessment, the nurse obtains a reading of 210/96 mm Hg of a client with no history of hypertension . To validate the data, the nurse should retake the blood pressure and if necessary, use another equipment to confirm the measurement or ask someone else to perform the assessment.
• Ensure that objective and related subjective data are valid and accurate. For example, the client’s perceptions of “feeling hot” need to be compared with the measurement of the body temperature.
• Ensure that the nurse does not come to a conclusion without adequate data to support the conclusion. A nurse assumes tiny purple or bluish-black swollen areas under the tongue of an older adult client to be abnormal until reading about physical changes of aging.
• Ensure that any ambiguous or vague statements are clarified. For example, a 86-year-old female client who is not a native English speaker says that “I am in pain on and off for 4 weeks,” would require verification for clarity from the nurse by asking “Can you describe what your pain is like? What do you mean by on and off?”
• Acquire additional details that may have been overlooked. For example, the nurse is asking a 32-year-old client if he is allergic to any prescription or non-prescription medications. And what would happen if he takes these medications.
• Distinguish between cues and inferences. Cues are subjective or objective data that can be directly observed by the nurse; that is, what the client says or what the nurse can see, hear, feel, smell, or measure. On the other hand, inferences are the nurse’s interpretation or conclusions made based on the cues. For example, the nurse observes the cues that the incision is red, hot, and swollen and makes an inference that the incision is infected.

Once all the information has been collected, data can be recorded and sorted. Excellent record-keeping is fundamental so that all the data gathered is documented and explained in a way that is accessible to the whole health care team and can be referenced during evaluation. 

2. Diagnosis: “What is the problem?”

The second step of the nursing process is the nursing diagnosis . The nurse will analyze all the gathered information and diagnose the client’s condition and needs. Diagnosing involves analyzing data, identifying health problems, risks, and strengths, and formulating diagnostic statements about a patient’s potential or actual health problem. More than one diagnosis is sometimes made for a single patient. Formulating a nursing diagnosis by employing clinical judgment assists in the planning and implementation of patient care .

The types, components, processes, examples, and writing nursing diagnosis are discussed more in detail here “ Nursing Diagnosis Guide: All You Need To Know To Master Diagnosing ”

3. Planning: “How to manage the problem?”

Planning is the third step of the nursing process. It provides direction for nursing interventions . When the nurse, any supervising medical staff, and the patient agree on the diagnosis, the nurse will plan a course of treatment that takes into account short and long-term goals. Each problem is committed to a clear, measurable goal for the expected beneficial outcome. 

The planning phase is where goals and outcomes are formulated that directly impact patient care based on evidence-based practice (EBP) guidelines. These patient-specific goals and the attainment of such assist in ensuring a positive outcome. Nursing care plans are essential in this phase of goal setting. Care plans provide a course of direction for personalized care tailored to an individual’s unique needs. Overall condition and comorbid conditions play a role in the construction of a care plan. Care plans enhance communication, documentation, reimbursement , and continuity of care across the healthcare continuum.

Types of Planning

Planning starts with the first client contact and resumes until the nurse-client relationship ends, preferably when the client is discharged from the health care facility.

Initial planning is done by the nurse who conducts the admission assessment. Usually, the same nurse would be the one to create the initial comprehensive plan of care.

Ongoing planning is done by all the nurses who work with the client. As a nurse obtain new information and evaluate the client’s responses to care, they can individualize the initial care plan further. An ongoing care plan also occurs at the beginning of a shift. Ongoing planning allows the nurse to:

• determine if the client’s health status has changed
• set priorities for the client during the shift
• decide which problem to focus on during the shift
• coordinate with nurses to ensure that more than one problem can be addressed at each client contact

Discharge planning is the process of anticipating and planning for needs after discharge. To provide continuity of care, nurses need to accomplish the following:

• Start discharge planning for all clients when they are admitted to any health care setting.
• Involve the client and the client’s family or support persons in the planning process.
• Collaborate with other health care professionals as needed to ensure that biopsychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs are met.

A nursing care plan (NCP) is a formal process that correctly identifies existing needs and recognizes potential needs or risks. Care plans provide communication among nurses, their patients, and other healthcare providers to achieve health care outcomes. Without the nursing care planning process, the quality and consistency of patient care would be lost.

The planning step of the nursing process is discussed in detail in Nursing Care Plans (NCP): Ultimate Guide and Database .

4. Implementation: “Putting the plan into action!”

The implementation phase of the nursing process is when the nurse puts the treatment plan into effect. It involves action or doing and the actual carrying out of nursing interventions outlined in the plan of care. This typically begins with the medical staff conducting any needed medical interventions. 

Interventions should be specific to each patient and focus on achievable outcomes. Actions associated with a nursing care plan include monitoring the patient for signs of change or improvement, directly caring for the patient or conducting important medical tasks such as medication administration, educating and guiding the patient about further health management, and referring or contacting the patient for a follow-up.

A taxonomy of nursing interventions referred to as the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) taxonomy, was developed by the Iowa Intervention Project. The nurse can look up a client’s nursing diagnosis to see which nursing interventions are recommended. 

Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) System

There are more than 550 nursing intervention labels that nurses can use to provide the proper care to their patients. These interventions are categorized into seven fields or classes of interventions according to the Nursing Interventions Classification system.

These are interventions designed to help a patient change their behavior. With behavioral interventions, in contrast, patient behavior is the key and the goal is to modify it. The following measures are examples of behavioral nursing interventions:

• Encouraging stress and relaxation techniques
• Providing support to quit smoking
• Engaging the patient in some form of physical activity , like walking , to reduce the patient’s anxiety , anger, and hostility

These are interventions that refer to the community-wide approach to health behavior change. Instead of focusing mainly on the individual as a change agent, community interventionists recognize a host of other factors that contribute to an individual’s capacity to achieve optimal health, such as:

• Implementing an education program for first-time mothers
• Promoting diet and physical activities
• Initiating HIV awareness and violence-prevention programs
• Organizing a fun run to raise money for breast cancer research 

These are interventions that influence a patient’s entire family.

• Implementing a family-centered approach in reducing the threat of illness spreading when one family member is diagnosed with a communicable disease
• Providing a nursing woman support in breastfeeding her new baby
• Educating family members about caring for the patient

These are interventions that designed to maintain a safe medical facility for all patients and staff, such as:

• Following procedures to reduce the risk of infection for patients during hospital stays.
• Ensuring that the patient’s environment is safe and comfortable, such as repositioning them to avoid pressure ulcers in bed

These are interventions related to a patient’s physical health to make sure that any physical needs are being met and that the patient is in a healthy condition. These nursing interventions are classified into two types: basic and complex.

• Basic. Basic interventions regarding the patient’s physical health include hands-on procedures ranging from feeding to hygiene assistance.
• Complex. Some physiological nursing interventions are more complex, such as the insertion of an IV line to administer fluids to a dehydrated patient.

These are interventions that maintain a patient’s safety and prevent injuries, such as:

• Educating a patient about how to call for assistance if they are not able to safely move around on their own
• Providing instructions for using assistive devices such as walkers or canes, or how to take a shower safely.

When implementing care, nurses need cognitive, interpersonal, and technical skills to perform the care plan successfully.

• Cognitive Skills are also known as Intellectual Skills are skills involve learning and understanding fundamental knowledge including basic sciences, nursing procedures, and their underlying rationale before caring for clients. Cognitive skills also include problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and creativity.
• Interpersonal Skills are skills that involve believing, behaving, and relating to others. The effectiveness of a nursing action usually leans mainly on the nurse’s ability to communicate with the patient and the members of the health care team.
• Technical Skills are purposeful “hands-on” skills such as changing a sterile dressing , administering an injection, manipulating equipment, bandaging, moving , lifting, and repositioning clients. All of these activities require safe and competent performance.

Process of Implementing

The process of implementing typically includes the following:

Prior to implementing an intervention, the nurse must reassess the client to make sure the intervention is still needed. Even if an order is written on the care plan, the client’s condition may have changed.

Other nursing tasks or activities may also be performed by non- RN members of the healthcare team. Members of this team may include unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and caregivers , as well as other licensed healthcare workers, such as licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs). The nurse may need assistance when implementing some nursing intervention, such as ambulating an unsteady obese client, repositioning a client, or when a nurse is not familiar with a particular model of traction equipment needs assistance the first time it is applied.

3. Implementing the nursing interventions

Nurses must not only have a substantial knowledge base of the sciences, nursing theory, nursing practice , and legal parameters of nursing interventions but also must have the psychomotor skills to implement procedures safely. It is necessary for nurses to describe, explain, and clarify to the client what interventions will be done, what sensations to anticipate, what the client is expected to do, and what the expected outcome is. When implementing care, nurses perform activities that may be independent, dependent, or interdependent.

Nursing interventions are grouped into three categories according to the role of the healthcare professional involved in the patient’s care:

A registered nurse can perform independent interventions on their own without the help or assistance from other medical personnel, such as: 

• routine nursing tasks such as checking vital signs
• educating a patient on the importance of their medication so they can administer it as prescribed

A nurse cannot initiate dependent interventions alone. Some actions require guidance or supervision from a physician or other medical professional, such as:

• prescribing new medication
• inserting and removing a urinary catheter
• providing diet
• Implementing wound or bladder irrigations

A nurse performs as part of collaborative or interdependent interventions that involve team members across disciplines.

• In some cases, such as post- surgery , the patient’s recovery plan may require prescription medication from a physician, feeding assistance from a nurse, and treatment by a physical therapist or occupational therapist.
• The physician may prescribe a specific diet to a patient. The nurse includes diet counseling in the patient care plan. To aid the patient, even more, the nurse enlists the help of the dietician that is available in the facility.

Delegate specific nursing interventions to other members of the nursing team as appropriate. Consider the capabilities and limitations of the members of the nursing team and supervise the performance of the nursing interventions. Deciding whether delegation is indicated is another activity that arises during the nursing process.

The American Nurses Association and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2006) define delegation as “the process for a nurse to direct another person to perform nursing tasks and activities.” It generally concerns the appointment of the performance of activities or tasks associated with patient care to unlicensed assistive personnel while retaining accountability for the outcome.

Nevertheless, registered nurses cannot delegate responsibilities related to making nursing judgments. Examples of nursing activities that cannot be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel include assessment and evaluation of the impact of interventions on care provided to the patient.

Record what has been done as well as the patient’s responses to nursing interventions precisely and concisely.

5. Evaluation: “Did the plan work?”

Evaluating is the fifth step of the nursing process. This final phase of the nursing process is vital to a positive patient outcome. Once all nursing intervention actions have taken place, the team now learns what works and what doesn’t by evaluating what was done beforehand. Whenever a healthcare provider intervenes or implements care, they must reassess or evaluate to ensure the desired outcome has been met. The possible patient outcomes are generally explained under three terms: the patient’s condition improved, the patient’s condition stabilized, and the patient’s condition worsened.

Steps in Evaluation

Nursing evaluation includes (1) collecting data, (2) comparing collected data with desired outcomes, (3) analyzing client’s response relating to nursing activities, (4) identifying factors that contributed to the success or failure of the care plan, (5) continuing, modifying, or terminating the nursing care plan , and (6) planning for future nursing care.

The nurse recollects data so that conclusions can be drawn about whether goals have been fulfilled. It is usually vital to collect both objective and subjective data. Data must be documented concisely and accurately to facilitate the next part of the evaluating process.

The documented goals and objectives of the nursing care plan become the standards or criteria by which to measure the client’s progress whether the desired outcome has been met, partially met, or not met.

• The goal was met , when the client response is the same as the desired outcome.
• The goal was partially met , when either a short-term outcome was achieved but the long-term goal was not, or the desired goal was incompletely attained.
• The goal was not met.

It is also very important to determine whether the nursing activities had any relation to the outcomes whether it was successfully accomplished or not.

It is required to collect more data to confirm if the plan was successful or a failure. Different factors may contribute to the achievement of goals. For example, the client’s family may or may not be supportive, or the client may be uncooperative to perform such activities. 

The nursing process is dynamic and cyclical. If goals were not sufficed, the nursing process begins again from the first step. Reassessment and modification may continually be needed to keep them current and relevant depending upon general patient condition. The plan of care may be adjusted based on new assessment data. Problems may arise or change accordingly. As clients complete their goals, new goals are set. If goals remain unmet, nurses must evaluate the reasons these goals are not being achieved and recommend revisions to the nursing care plan .

Discharge planning is the process of transitioning a patient from one level of care to the next. Discharge plans are individualized instructions provided as the client is prepared for continued care outside the healthcare facility or for independent living at home. The main purpose of a discharge plan is to improve the client’s quality of life by ensuring continuity of care together with the client’s family or other healthcare workers providing continuing care.

The following are the key elements of IDEAL discharge planning according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality:

• I nclude the patient and family as full partners in the discharge planning process.
• Describe what life at home will be like
• Review medications
• Highlight warning signs and problems
• Explain test results
• Schedule follow-up appointments
• E ducate the patient and family in plain language about the patient’s condition, the discharge process, and next steps throughout the hospital stay.
• A ssess how well doctors and nurses explain the diagnosis, condition, and next steps in the patient’s care to the patient and family and use teach back.
• L isten to and honor the patient’s and family’s goals, preferences, observations, and concerns. 

A discharge plan includes specific components of client teaching with documentation such as:

• Equipment needed at home. Coordinate home-based care and special equipment needed.
• Dietary needs or special diet . Discuss what the patient can or cannot eat at home.
• Medications to be taken at home. List the patient’s medications and discuss the purpose of each medicine, how much to take, how to take it, and potential side effects.
• Resources such as contact numbers and addresses of important people. Write down the name and contact information of someone to call if there is a problem.
• Emergency response: Danger signs. Identify and educate patients and families about warning signs or potential problems.
• Home care activities. Educate patient on what activities to do or avoid at home.
• Summary. Discuss with the patient and family about the patient’s condition, the discharge process, and follow-up checkups.

39 thoughts on “The Nursing Process: A Comprehensive Guide”

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I’m a clinical instructor teaching Fundamentals this semester. The article will be very helpful to give an in-depth explanation of “The Nursing Process” to students. Thank you.

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Helpful. So grateful

Is the nursing process the same as “critical thinking”?

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Great explanation, in the understanding of Nursing process

Very Helpful to students, thank you for sharing

Excellent job. A great help to all nursing students. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.

Hi Joycelyn, Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s really rewarding to hear that it’s helping nursing students out there. We’re all about sharing knowledge and making things a bit easier. 😊 If there’s anything else you’d like to see or know, just let me know. And blessings right back at you!

Thank you so much…It’s a very comprehensive reference.

You’re very welcome, A.C! I’m glad you found the nursing process reference comprehensive and useful. Just out of curiosity, is there a particular step in the nursing process you’d like to explore more deeply, or do you have any specific areas where you’d like more detailed information?

I am a nursing student and I see this as a helpful tool, very detailed and easy to understand thanks for sharing

Hi Mawuli, I’m delighted to know that you’re finding our resources helpful! If you have any specific questions or if there’s a particular topic you’d like more information on, please feel free to ask. I’m here to assist you with any nursing-related inquiries you may have. Keep up the great work in your studies! 🩺📚🌟

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Hey Mokete, Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you’re finding our nursing resources helpful. We’ll do our best to keep you updated with more valuable nursing PDFs and information. If there’s anything specific you’d like to see or if you have any questions, feel free to let us know. Keep up the great work in your nursing journey! 👩‍⚕️📚🌟

Thanks it really helps alot

Glad to be of help! Thank you!

This guideline very useful for Nurses building their competency and practice quality of care of Nursing to use as reference please allow to download free especially to Nurses who live in developing countries since it is not affordable to buy it

You can download the articles by printing them as PDF :) You can use a service called printfriendly (google it) to make PDFs of our webpages.

Excellent work done I’m very happy to see this stuffs

Thank you so much…It’s a very comprehensive reference. God bless you

Hello Theophilus, You’re very welcome, and thank you for the blessings! 😊 I’m glad you found the reference on the nursing process comprehensive. Just out of curiosity, is there a particular part of the nursing process you’re most interested in, or any aspect you’d like to explore more deeply?

God bless you too, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Very helpful information. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Alisa. If you need more information or help regarding this, let us know.

You’re doing a great job here. Please can you do it in such a way for us to download it as a pdf?

Hi Millicent, Thank you so much for the kind words! 😊 I’m really glad you’re finding the site useful.

Regarding your request to download content as a PDF, a neat trick you can use is the “print” function in your web browser. Here’s how you can do it:

Open the page you want to save as a PDF. -Go to the “File” menu in your browser and select “Print,” or simply press Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac). -In the print window, look for a destination option and select “Save as PDF” or something similar. -Adjust any settings as needed, then click “Save” or “Print,” and choose where you want to save the file on your computer.

This way, you can turn any page into a PDF for your personal use. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Always here to help!

Very helpful Thank you

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  How to Write a Good Nursing Process Essay

• Rachel R.N.
• May 20, 2024
• How to Guides

A nursing process essay is a scholarly work that demonstrates your understanding of the systematic approach nurses use to plan and deliver patient care. As a nursing student, mastering this type of essay is crucial because it reflects your ability to apply the nursing process methodology in real-world situations. A well-written nursing process essay showcases your critical thinking, clinical judgment, and problem-solving skills, which are essential competencies for any nurse.

What You'll Learn

History of the Nursing Process

The nursing process traces its roots back to the 1960s when there was a growing recognition that nursing needed a more structured and scientific approach to patient care. Prior to this, nursing practice was often based on tradition, intuition, and personal experience, rather than a standardized and evidence-based framework.

In the 1950s, pioneers like Ida Jean Orlando and Dorothy E. Johnson began to develop conceptual models and theories that laid the foundation for the nursing process. However, it was not until the 1960s and 1970s that the nursing process gained widespread acceptance and implementation in nursing education and practice.

The nursing process was initially introduced as a four-step process: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Over time, it evolved into a five-step process with the addition of the “diagnosis” step, which allowed nurses to identify and label specific patient problems or needs.

What is a Nursing Process?

The nursing process is a systematic, cyclic, and individualized approach to nursing care that involves five interrelated steps: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

• Assessment: This step involves gathering comprehensive data about the patient’s physical, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual health status through various methods such as observation, interviews, and diagnostic tests.
• Diagnosis: Based on the assessment data, the nurse identifies actual or potential health problems, risks, or life processes that require nursing interventions. These nursing diagnoses provide a framework for developing a plan of care.
• Planning : In this step, the nurse establishes prioritized goals and develops a individualized plan of care to address the identified nursing diagnoses. The plan outlines specific nursing interventions, rationales, and expected outcomes.
• Implementation: The nurse carries out the planned interventions, continuously monitoring the patient’s response and adjusting the plan as needed. Accurate documentation is essential during this step.
• Evaluation: The nurse assesses the effectiveness of the implemented interventions and the progress towards achieving the desired outcomes. Based on the evaluation, the plan of care may be revised or terminated if the goals have been met.

What is the Purpose of a Nursing Process?

The primary purpose of the nursing process is to provide a systematic and individualized approach to patient care that ensures quality, continuity, and accountability. Specifically, the nursing process aims to:

• Identify and address the unique health needs and concerns of each patient in a holistic manner, considering physical, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual factors.
• Promote critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills by encouraging nurses to analyze data, identify problems, and develop evidence-based plans of care.
• Foster collaboration and communication among the healthcare team, including the patient and their family, by providing a shared language and framework for care delivery.
• Enhance patient safety and improve outcomes by promoting continuity of care, reducing errors, and ensuring that interventions are based on the patient’s specific needs and responses.
• Serve as a basis for nursing documentation, which is essential for legal and ethical accountability, as well as continuous evaluation and improvement of nursing practice.

Characteristics of the Nursing Process

The nursing process is characterized by several key features:

• Cyclical and dynamic: The nursing process is an ongoing, circular process that is constantly re-evaluated and adjusted based on the patient’s changing needs and responses to interventions.
• Patient-centered: The focus is on the individual patient’s unique needs, preferences, values, and goals, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Systematic and organized: The nursing process follows a logical and structured approach to problem-solving, ensuring that care is delivered in a consistent and comprehensive manner.
• Evidence-based: Nursing decisions and interventions are based on the best available scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences.
• Collaborative: The nursing process involves collaboration and communication among the healthcare team, including the patient and their family, to ensure coordinated and integrated care.
• Flexible: While structured, the nursing process allows for flexibility and adaptation based on the patient’s changing needs and circumstances.
• Continuous : The nursing process is an ongoing cycle that does not end until the patient’s needs have been met or the nurse-patient relationship is terminated.

Outline of a Nursing Process Essay

A typical nursing process essay should follow this structure:

• Introduction: Provide an overview of the nursing process and its importance in nursing practice, as well as the specific patient case or scenario that will be discussed.
• Description of the patient’s situation or presenting problem : Describe the patient’s demographic information, medical history, and presenting concerns or health issues that prompted the need for nursing care.
• Assessment: Discuss the comprehensive assessment data gathered about the patient’s physical, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual health status, including relevant subjective and objective data.
• Nursing diagnosis: Identify the actual or potential health problems, risks, or life processes that require nursing interventions, based on the assessment data.
• Planning: Outline the prioritized goals and the individualized plan of care developed to address the identified nursing diagnoses , including specific nursing interventions, rationales, and expected outcomes.
• Implementation: Describe the implementation of the planned interventions, including any modifications made based on the patient’s response and any challenges or barriers encountered during this step.
• Evaluation: Discuss the evaluation of the implemented interventions, including the patient’s progress towards achieving the desired outcomes and any revisions made to the plan of care based on the evaluation.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key points and reflect on the importance of the nursing process in providing high-quality, individualized patient care.

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The Nursing Process

Steps of a Nursing Process

• Assessment:

This step involves gathering comprehensive data about the patient’s health status through various methods:

• Subjective data: Information obtained from the patient’s self-report, such as their perception of symptoms, concerns, and preferences.
• Objective data: Observable and measurable data obtained through physical examination, diagnostic tests, and other objective measures.
• Relevant historical data: Information about the patient’s medical history, family history, and social and cultural background that may impact their health.

The assessment should cover all aspects of the patient’s health, including physical, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual dimensions.

2. Diagnosis:

Based on the assessment data, the nurse analyzes and synthesizes the information to identify actual or potential health problems, risks, or life processes that require nursing interventions. These nursing diagnoses are written in a standardized format that includes the problem statement, related factors or etiologies, and defining characteristics or signs and symptoms.

For example: “Acute Pain (00132) related to surgical incision as evidenced by verbalized discomfort and guarding behavior.”

3. Planning:

In this step, the nurse establishes prioritized goals and develops a individualized plan of care to address the identified nursing diagnoses. The plan outlines specific nursing interventions, rationales (the scientific or evidence-based reasons for each intervention), and expected outcomes that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions.

The planning process involves:

• Establishing priorities: Determining which nursing diagnoses require immediate attention based on factors such as patient safety, risk of complications, and patient preferences.
• Setting realistic and measurable goals: These goals should be specific, achievable, and aligned with the patient’s needs and preferences.
• Selecting appropriate nursing interventions: Evidence-based interventions are chosen to address each nursing diagnosis and achieve the desired outcomes.
• Considering patient preferences and values: The plan should be developed in collaboration with the patient and their family, taking into account their preferences, values, and cultural beliefs.
• Coordinating with the healthcare team: The plan should be communicated and coordinated with other members of the healthcare team to ensure continuity of care.

4. Implementation

The nurse carries out the planned interventions, continuously monitoring the patient’s response and adjusting the plan as needed. This step involves:

• Providing direct patient care: Implementing the specific nursing interventions outlined in the plan, such as administering medications, providing wound care, or offering emotional support.
• Patient education: Educating the patient and their family about their condition, treatment plan, and self-care strategies.
• Collaboration with the healthcare team: Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals and ensuring effective communication and handoff processes.
• Documentation: Accurately documenting all interventions, patient responses, and any modifications made to the plan of care.

5. Evaluation

The nurse assesses the effectiveness of the implemented interventions and the progress towards achieving the desired outcomes. This step involves:

• Comparing the patient’s actual responses to the expected outcomes outlined in the plan of care.
• Determining if the nursing interventions were effective in achieving the desired outcomes or if modifications are needed.
• Reassessing the patient’s health status and identifying any new or ongoing problems that require additional interventions.

How do you write a nursing process? The nursing process functions as a systematic guide to client-centered care with 5 sequential steps. These are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

What is a nursing process example?

Example: A new patient is admitted to the unit. The nurse obtains the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation. The nurse performs a head-to-toe assessment and gauges the patient’s pain level. The nurse documents this information

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• How to write a nursing process essay

Writing a nursing process essay is an essential element of the nursing profession. It organizes thoughts and ideas, assesses situations, and develops solutions based on evidence-based practices.

This article will discuss the essential steps to writing a nursing process essay, from researching and outlining your essay to organizing your nursing essay and polishing it for submission. We will also provide tips and strategies to help you maximize your writing potential.

What is a nursing process essay

A nursing process essay is an academic paper that requires students to explain and critically analyze the steps taken to provide quality patient care. It involves researching, formulating, and presenting a plan that addresses the complex medical needs of an individual patient.

This type of essay requires thorough knowledge of the principles of nursing practice and critical thinking skills to correctly identify and address the problems at hand. In addition to providing evidence-based solutions, these essays must also be written by high standards for writing style and clarity.

The purpose of a nursing process essay

• Nursing process essays help future nurses develop their understanding of the professional practice, and they also enable them to think critically about how best to provide patient care within different scenarios
• A nursing process essay demonstrates how the student has used critical thinking skills to solve real-life health issues in a professional setting
• It includes an assessment of the patient’s condition, identification of potential risks or complications, and detailed steps to plan appropriate treatment and intervention
• A successful essay will demonstrate an understanding of basic medical terminology and proper communication with patients, families, and other healthcare providers

Tips on how to write a nursing process essay

It is essential to consider your essay’s content, structure and organization to make it compelling and exciting. Here are some tips on how to write a successful nursing process essay.

• Familiarize yourself with the nursing process. Understand each step and how they are interconnected
• Research the topic thoroughly and take notes of all relevant information, including definitions, facts and theories related to the topic
• Have a clear understanding of what information needs to be included in each nursing process step. This will ensure that all relevant details are included, which will assist you in creating a comprehensive essay
• Create an outline before you start writing your paper, as this will help organize your thoughts and ideas into logical sections
• Ensure it flows logically from one section to another while maintaining focus throughout the whole piece of work
• Use clear and concise language while providing evidence from reliable sources that support each point you make
• Cite all sources used in your work so that others may reference them as well

Nursing process essay format template

Using a nursing process analysis essay outline or template when writing a paper about this topic can help keep you organized and provide structure to the paper. This essay format helps address all critical areas and keeps them focused on the task.

The nursing process is a five-step problem-solving approach nurses use to evaluate and manage patient care. The five steps include

• Implementation

The assessment section of a nursing process essay should provide an accurate reflection of the patient’s condition and describe why certain decisions were made in determining their care. The assessment portion of a nursing process essay should explain the nurse’s decision-making process when evaluating the patient’s condition.

This includes details such as physical observations, vital signs, laboratory test results, and any other assessments that may be relevant to the situation at hand. It should also contain notes on how these results informed the nurse’s decisions and why they e of action versus another.

This section must include a comprehensive analysis of all symptoms, previous medical history, and other relevant patient information. The primary goal of this section is to provide a clear explanation as to why the patient has come into care and what type of medical condition they are currently experiencing.

In addition to providing an accurate description of the patient’s condition, this section should also be used to explain how the current state relates to the overall problem that made them seek care in the first to uncover all aspects related to their illness or injury entirely to their illness or injury; nurses can use this knowledge when considering which treatment plans would be most beneficial for their patient’s needs.

The planning section provides direction and structure to the entire essay while ensuring that all content includes facts, evidence, and reliable sources. This is where you establish their argument’s main points, outline the order in which they will present them, and determine how best to support each point with relevant evidence.

This portion of the essay should include brainstorming ideas related to each point and researching any material necessary for making a strong argument. Additionally, it’s crucial for you to use this part of the process to ensure that you’ve included accurate information regarding assessment findings and diagnosis to demonstrate clinical reasoning skills.

The implementation section is where you demonstrate your understanding of nursing theory and practice and your ability to apply it in real-world scenarios. The implementation section allows students to show that they can take abstract concepts and practically use them.

Showcase your knowledge of nursing principles, processes, and techniques. This means providing examples of when and how these principles were applied, discussing any issues encountered during implementation, and outlining any changes made to meet patient needs better. Also include an evaluation component which discusses how successful the performances were in meeting patient outcomes.

This section serves as the summary and conclusion for the entire essay and allows readers to see how successful your nursing process was in achieving the desired outcome. With an effective evaluation section, readers will clearly understand what was learned or performed throughout the paper.

The evaluation section should provide evidence that supports your conclusions while discussing any strengths or weaknesses of the process used. It should also include suggestions on improving any areas that need improvement. Furthermore, it should explain what worked well during the nursing process and why it worked so effectively. This will help readers understand why certain decisions were made and give insight into future decisions they may make regarding similar situations.

How to select a good nursing essay topic

Are you having trouble deciding on a good nursing essay topic ? Here are some tips to help you select one that fits your interests and goals.

• Take the time to brainstorm potential topics related to your field. Think of issues you are passionate about or have researched in the past. Make sure the topic is relevant and exciting so you will be motivated to complete the project
• Research relevant literature and websites for ideas beyond your knowledge base
• Define a clear purpose for the essay and think about who your audience may be. Which type of readers will benefit from your writing
• Consider which theoretical framework best suits the purpose of your paper
• Define a clear purpose for the essay and think about who your audience may be
• Consider factors like the amount of time you have available for research, whether there are any particular areas you have already studied which could serve as a springboard for more extended exploration, and if there are any recent events or developments that would add relevance and urgency to your paper

Nursing Process essay topics

• The importance of communication in the nursing process
• Ethical considerations when using technology in healthcare
• Stages of the clinical decision-making process
• Ethical dilemmas nurses face in day-to-day practice
• Challenges associated with staffing shortages and long hours in hospitals
• Medical errors and risk management strategies
• Analyzing educational resources used in nursing processes
• How nurses work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals during patient care activities
• How decision-making is used within the nursing process
• Different models of the nursing process

Writing a nursing process essay

Writing a nursing process essay is an essential step in learning about nursing. It involves researching, analyzing and presenting information on a given topic. A successful nursing process essay should provide readers with clear insights into the critical steps of the nursing process and their importance for achieving clinical outcomes.

• Define the topic

Defining your topic should include specifying what you would like to discuss within your essay, such as outlining specific concepts related to nursing and providing examples from personal experience or clinical practice. Additionally, when defining your topic, consider who will be reading the paper—are there any particular audiences or groups you want to address? Being mindful of this can help provide clarity and direction for both yourself as the author and readers who may be unfamiliar with specific nursing topics.

• Research and gather information

When researching for a nursing process essay, it is essential to find reliable sources such as scholarly articles, peer-reviewed journals or books that experts have written. This will help provide accurate data and evidence-based support for any claims made in the essay.

Additionally, it will also aid in expanding knowledge on the topic at hand. In addition to finding reputable sources, conducting interviews with healthcare professionals can also be beneficial when researching for a nursing process essay, as they can provide unique insights into the subject matter not found elsewhere.

• Outline essay structure

A well-crafted outline helps guide you through the writing process by providing a roadmap for your thoughts and ideas. It also helps to ensure that your essay remains organized and cohesive. By outlining each point, supporting evidence, and any counterarguments that may be necessary, you can create a clear picture of where your essay should go.

Having a clearly defined plan allows you to organize your thoughts more effectively and ensure that all relevant information is covered in your paper. Additionally, if any sources or references are required for the paper, having these mapped out ahead of time ensures they are appropriately integrated into the text.

• Craft an introduction

The primary purpose of the introduction is to capture the reader’s attention and give them a glimpse into what will be discussed in the body of the essay. It should also demonstrate how your work contributes to existing conversations in nursing practice.

To create a strong introduction, it is essential to include relevant background information about nursing processes and why they are necessary for modern medical practices. Additionally, you should provide some insight into your thesis statement or main argument that you will cover throughout your essay. Finally, use captivating language to draw readers further into your paper and keep them interested until its conclusion.

• Compose the main body of the essay

Composing the main body of a nursing process essay is essential in ensuring that your paper is well-organized and logically presented. It provides the reader with a clear understanding of the essay’s structure while including all relevant information.

This section should include several paragraphs dedicated to each stage of the nursing process: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. By addressing each step in detail, readers will gain insight into how the nurse assesses a patient’s needs and develops an individualized plan for treatment or care. Furthermore, it helps to ensure that all points are explained thoroughly and that no steps have been overlooked.

• Create a conclusion

The structure of your concluding paragraph should be similar to that of your introduction: introduce the main points and provide a brief overview of them. Then, summarize any evidence or arguments you made throughout the body paragraphs. Finally, restate the thesis statement from your introduction and any implications it may have for nursing practice or patient care.

 Bottom line

Writing a quality essay on the nursing process requires careful research, a comprehensive understanding of the topic, and a clear outline. With these components in place, you should be able to write a compelling and informative essay.

Read More: Writing a Nursing case study: Beginners Guide

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How to Write a Nursing Reflective Essay (Guide for Nurse Students)

If you are a nursing or medicine student, you are aware that you will come across or have already come across assignments requiring you to write a nursing reflection essay. At first, such a task always appears challenging, but given the understanding of the steps, things flat out, and you can write reflective essays and get better grades.

Reflective practice is highly encouraged in nursing. Reflection entails making sense of situations, events, actions, and phenomena in the workplace.

As a nursing student, you will be asked to write a reflective essay on your clinical placement, practicum, shadowing experience, shadow health DCE activities, personal nursing philosophy, why you want to become a nurse, nursing program, ethical dilemma, knowledge, skills, and abilities, systems, and processes.

The easiest way to complete the reflective essay assignment is by first determining what reflective writing entails, its significance, its steps, and some of the best tips that form the core of this ultimate guide.

Basics of Reflective Writing in Nursing

Reflective writing is an analytical writing practice where the writer describes a real or imaginary event, scene, phenomenon, occurrence, or memory, including their takeaway. It entails the critical analysis of an experience, including recording how it has impacted you and what you intend to do with the new knowledge or how to act when such an occurrence recurs.

As you document the encounter, you can use first-person pronouns and write subjectively and objectively. This means that you can decide to either use personal experiences alone or support these experiences using citations from scholarly sources.

When writing a reflective essay in nursing, you must recount the events and give critical detail of how the events shaped your knowledge acquisition. Reflection helps nursing students develop skills in self-directed learning, which is directly associated with high motivation and improved quality of care .

In most cases, reflection occurs on what went well and what went wrong. It could be a successful operation, a thank you note from a patient, a patient who regained their health faster, or a new nursing care plan that worked. However, it can also be about adverse events such as death, postoperative complications, death of an infant at birth, dissatisfied patient, medical error, or a failed procedure.

As a nursing student, when you learn to reflect on situations, you grow to become a professional nurse who diligently does their noble duty.

When writing a reflective essay, you begin by setting the scene (explaining what, where, how, and who-the situation), detailing how you felt (emotional state), why it happened (making sense of the situation), critical review and development of insights, a note on what was learned, and strategies to address future recurrence.

Your professor may ask you to write a nursing reflective paper about various topics in your course or your experience working in a group, how you solved a problem, a healthcare issue, or clinical practice. Consider the following example of a reflective statement in nursing; in my clinical practices, I realized I focused more on the technical aspects but failed to explain what it was doing to improve their health. I would like to understand more about listening to patience and their concerns to better care for them.

As you will notice later, these reflective stages are structured into different reflective models and frameworks that we will explore in-depth. So, with the understanding of what comprises reflective writing and its importance in nursing, let's now get solid on the structure.

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Structure of a Reflective Essay in Nursing

A reflective essay is an analytical writing piece describing and evaluating encounters or experiences. When asked to write one, you should know that an excellent reflective essay consists of different parts, just like a typical academic essay. It comprises the cover or title page, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusions, and a references page.

The title page contains information about the assignment. If you are writing the reflective essay in APA, include these on the title page:

• Title of the reflective essay
• Course code and name
• Instructors name
• Name of your institution
• Date of submission

When writing in Harvard format, the title or the cover page will consist of the following:

• Title of the essay in title case and the page number (upper right margin),
• Title of the essay in CAPS,
• Name of class or course,
• Name of the instructor,
• Name of your school,
• City and state where your school is located and,
• The date of submission.

Introduction

The introduction begins with an attention grabber or a hook sentence to attract readers' attention. It should then explain the essay's purpose and signpost the ideas that will come later in the essay. The introduction also has a thesis statement at the end of the paragraph- the last sentence. The thesis is concise, clear, and relatable and should reflect your position.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of a reflective essay can be three or more, depending on the length of the essay. Essentially, the body comprises 80% of the total word count.

The first paragraph is where you describe the situation, including the events, why they occurred, how they occurred, and those involved.

The second paragraph entails your personal feelings or reaction to the situation and how it made you feel.

The third paragraph can include making sense of the situation. You have to think about why things happened the way they did. You should also critically review and develop insights based on the situation. Finally, think of the factors that could have influenced the situation.

The next paragraph should explain how the event or situation will change your practice, approach, decisions, perspective, or perception. This is where you evaluate the experience by detailing the knowledge and skills you took from the experience.

The last body paragraph should entail a critical reflection on the learning opportunities. First, describe the situation and what it made you learn. Next, elaborate on how you intend to make yourself better poised to address such situations.

Mostly, you should structure the body of your essay as per the preferred nursing reflective model.

After everything else falls into place, you need to summarize the information you presented in the essay. Then, finally, restate your thesis and have a call to action to bring a sense of closure to your readers.

Steps for Writing a Nursing Reflection Essay � The Guide

When assigned to write a reflective essay for your nursing class, here are the surefire steps to get you to success.

Read the instructions

The first step after receiving an assignment is to begin reading the instructions. as you read, note what your instructor or professor expects in the paper you will submit for marking.

Reading instructions helps you to get informed on the scope of the paper, word count, number of references and pages, and the formatting style to use.

Besides, you also get to plan your paper with the deadline highlighted in the instructions.

You need to get a conducive environment where you can start writing.

The first step of writing is to brainstorm about situations during your clinical hours when you were shadowing a Nurse Practitioner or one you have read about.

Assess whether the situation or scenario you have thought, encountered, or chosen can help you write a reflective essay that meets the requirements.

Research and Plan

After choosing a scenario, the next step is researching the best reflective model.

You can use your class text, the instructions, the college library, course readings, and online nursing journals to get articles and resources with information about specific reflective models.

Select the best reflective model and take notes on the steps it entails.

As you research, write down notes on how to address your paper based on your selected framework or model of reflection . Additionally, research nursing journal articles with information you can use when critically analyzing a situation.

Plan how you will handle the paper as well. For instance, as you research, develop a thesis statement that grounds your entire paper, then draft an outline on how to develop the thesis.

Write an Outline

Outlining is a crucial aspect of writing. It helps you envision how you will meet the objective of writing a reflective essay. As an essential part of the essay writing process, outlining helps create a good flow of ideas and can come in handy in helping you overcome writer's block. Your outline should comprise the following:

• The hook or attention grabber
• Thesis statement
• Main points of each body paragraph (topic sentence, evidence, examples, illustrations, etc.)
• Conclusion (restated thesis and call-to-action)

With the outline done, you should take a break and resume writing your first draft of the nursing reflection essay. Writing with an outline helps avoid mistakes and also helps you write faster.

Describe the Experience

Once you have identified the relevant experience, begin describing it chronologically.

Describe the experience that prompted you to consider nursing your ideal career goal. Think of this experience's key elements, such as the setting, patient demographics, and significant events that impacted you.

Show how these events changed your perspective on life. Ensure you are as descriptive as possible to paint a clear picture for readers.

Consider the following questions to come up with a good description:

• What happened?
• Was there someone involved? If yes, what part did they play?
• Where did the event take place?
• What actions did you take?

Set the context of this experience by giving relevant background information. Ensure you are objective and pay attention to the facts.

Provide a Reflection

Talk about your feelings and thoughts concerning the particular experience you went through. You have to be honest and open up about your initial expectations and challenges you faced at each stage of the experience. The following questions can help you come up with a good reflection:

• What was I trying to achieve?
• What prompted me to act the way I did?
• Are there any consequences for my actions? If yes, what are they?
• How did I feel about this event as it was happening?
• How did those around me react to it?
• How do I know how those around me felt about it?

Analyze the Experience

Description of an experience is essential, but so is analysis. You have to move beyond the surface and give a critical analysis of your experience.

State your actions, and your overall experience will give insights into your experience. Think of how the experience has impacted your actions, feelings, and thoughts.

Give an Evaluation

Evaluate the skills and knowledge you got from the experience. Show how you can apply these skills and knowledge in your nursing practice. Also, state the actions and interventions you took during the nursing experience.

State whether you achieved the desired outcome and if there are any specific areas that you need to improve on.

Talk about how you built or improved skills like communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.

As you evaluate the experience, identify what you believe to be your strengths and weaknesses in the nursing experience. What have you learned from the experience? State the areas where you excelled and what abilities contributed to your success.

Talk about how those you were with during the clinical experience complimented you. Similarly, acknowledge your weaknesses.

What kind of mistakes did you make, and how did you improve them? Talk about the tasks that drain you most during the experience.

Illustrate Learning

Demonstrate elements of deeper thought and reflection levels. This is a great point to include nursing theories in your reflection essay to support analysis of your experience.

Relate your experiences to the theoretical frameworks you were taught in class. This is effective learning and will demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge to real-life nursing situations.

Doing this will also show that you can effectively deduce different things from observations made during the reflection process.

Ensure you also demonstrate a change in perspective, as this will prove that you learned something from the experience.

Write Your Conclusion

Conclude by summarizing your points and highlighting the lessons learned.

The lessons you reached as part of your reflection should support your overall conclusion.

Also, restate your thesis statement.

Come Up with an Action Plan

Now that you have learned from your reflection develop an action plan for future nursing practice.

This part should contain all the details you have learned and actions needed to improve when faced with a similar situation. Consider the following questions:

• What would I change if faced with a similar situation?
• How can I develop the necessary skills needed to face this situation?
• How can I act differently in a similar situation?  

Ensure you identify areas to improve and set realistic goals to enhance your nursing skills. Discuss how you intend to seek additional education, training, or mentorship to address your shortcomings.

Finally, end the essay with a happy note so readers know you learned something from the experiences.

Proofread, Edit, and Polish

After doing your first draft, take a break to relax and get out of the writing mood - it helps you to become objective.

You can then resume reading out loud to yourself, make necessary tweaks, and ensure that every part you include meets the rubric requirements.

Edit for grammar, punctuation, tenses, voice, spelling, and use of language. You should also proofread the essay to adhere to the style, organization, and presentation requirements.

Ensure that all the in-text citations are accounted for in the reference list and are up-to-date. You are good to go when you have an essay that meets all the instructions.

Finally, you can submit the paper for grading.

Writing is not everyone's cup of tea. For that reason, you can hire a nursing reflection essay writer from our website to assist you in crafting a top-grade paper. In addition, we have nursing writers whose forte is writing various nursing papers.

Choosing the suitable Reflective Model or Framework

As you can see above, many reflective models are used for your reflective essay. We have not exhaustively listed and expounded on all of them. Other reflective models and frameworks you can also consider when writing a reflective essay in nursing include:

• Bouds Reflective Model
• Brookfield Reflective Model
• Pender's Health Promotion Model
• Roper Logan and Tierney Model
• Driscoll Reflective Model
• The Johari window model

Note that most nursing instructors will often suggest the models they prefer for you to use in your essay.

For example, in most nursing reflective essays. Whichever the case, readily available information expands on each model to make it easier to write a reflection essay on a specific aspect of nursing education or practice.

Read the assignment rubric and instructions to understand the specific model. If it is unclear, ask for clarification from your instructor early enough.

Tips for Writing a Good Nursing Reflective Essay

As you try to figure out how to write a nursing reflective essay, keep the following tips in mind.

Choose the Right Topic

If the instructions from your professors involve choosing a topic for the reflective essay, you must select one that is meaningful to you.

This will ensure you can easily write and easily develop relevant elements about the topic. Therefore, take time to pick a topic that you find interesting.

As you write, ensure you stay on topic, whether sharing a one-off event or a recurrent story.

Use the Right Tone

A reflective essay is more personal, unlike other types of academic essays. This means you don't need a strict or formal tone.

Since this is about your experiences, use personal pronouns such as I and Me.

Be Vulnerable

You must be extremely vulnerable to learn how to write a reflective essay in nursing.

Be open about your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about something you went through that sparked an interest in nursing.

It's okay to share mistakes or things you did wrong that eventually led you to this career path.

Choose the Right Focus

A reflection essay is all about narrating your experience during the nursing experience.

While including other people in your experience is okay, please let them not be the center of your reflection.

This is your essay, so you should be the focus of attention.

Keep it Brief

A good nursing reflection essay should be between 300 and 800 consciously written words. Because of this length, you must only write relevant information about your reflection. Refrain from lengthy reflections, as they make it difficult to pass your points across.

Convey Your Information Wisely

Even though a nursing reflection essay is about your personal experiences, it doesn't mean you should reveal everything about yourself. Ask yourself whether something is appropriate before including it in your paper.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Reflection Essay in Nursing

A good reflection essay involves reflecting on your nursing studies and practices throughout school and career to demonstrate your competence. For this reason, there are certain mistakes you should be aware of when writing an essay.

Not including a Personal Story

Like food tastes bland without salt, so does a reflection essay without a personal story. At the center of a reflection essay is You. This means the essay should focus on your personal story that led you to want a nursing career. A lot of times, students miss out on this instead of talking about their story. You need more than just the personal qualities you think will be a great fit for the nursing program; you must also share a story that shows how well you contributed to nursing care.

Failing to Share Your Experience

You will lose points when you fail to include nursing-related experiences in your reflection essay. Mentioning that you want to be a nurse is great, but failing to show specific events that led to the desire will cost you a great point.

Plagiarizing Your Essay

Plagiarism is a serious academic offense because it is considered taking other people's ideas and using them as your own without crediting the author. So, provide relevant citations and references for any ideas that aren't your own. Also, an AI will not write your essay as a human writer would. 

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• How to write a student nurse resume with no experience.
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Sample of a Nursing Reflective Essay 

The following is a sample of a nursing Reflective essay using Gibb's Model of Reflection. Use this sample to guide you when writing your own.

Introduction  Communication is an important element in healthcare practice as it determines patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes. This essay will focus on reflecting on an experience I went through with a 40-year-old diabetic patient who also had a foot infected with an ulcer. When I approached the patient to sign the consent form, I noticed that he wasn't happy because of the news given to him about his health. I concluded that there must be a communication dilemma. I will reflect on the experience using Gibb's Model of Reflection. Using this model, I will identify and discuss the actions taken to resolve the issue. Description  This incident happened a few months ago when I was working as a wound nurse in a Methodist hospital in my hometown. I was part of a care team handling the case of a 40-year-old male patient with diabetes and an infected diabetic foot ulcer. After careful examination, a team comprising various specialists concluded that his leg needed amputation below the knee. After making this decision, the team left, and I was asked to give the patient a consent form to sign. When I came back from retrieving the form, I noticed the patient looked sorrowful because of the news given to him. Feelings  As soon as I saw the patient, I knew what he was going through. He perceived the situation to be irreparable, but I wasn't sure whether to console the patient or not. I was powerless and couldn't imagine what he was going through. At the same time, I was startled that the team left without showing any compassion. They could have handled the situation more delicately. I, on the other hand, could have relayed the information better. I wasn't sure whether my approach would be acceptable or appropriate. Evaluation  I always go back to that particular situation and wonder whether I could have acted better. The situation helped me better understand the importance of good communication in patient care, particularly in therapeutic care. Before the incident, I didn't acknowledge the role of nurses play in caring for patient's emotional needs. I realized nurses must show compassion and console patients in their low moments.  Analysis  Most healthcare professionals do not know how to deliver bad news to patients. They find the process extremely challenging and always feel psychologically unprepared. This has a negative impact on patients and could lead to bad health outcomes. Furthermore, how information is relayed could impact a patient's adherence to treatment. Because of these effects, multiple protocols and approaches were developed to help with communicating bad news to patients. One of the approaches that was proposed is emotion-centered. This proposes that a healthcare provider acknowledges how sad the patient is and builds a professional relationship based on empathy and sympathy. Action Plan I now understand the essence of communicating bad news with compassion. The experience allowed me to look closely at different aspects of my professional development that needed more improvement. Thus, I plan to be more empathetic and speak up in support of patient's emotional and psychological well-being, especially when presented with traumatic news about their health. Additionally, I now understand I am not powerless when dealing with a sorrowful patient. I believe I have learned from my experience, and I'm not able to communicate well with patients any more. Conclusion  The experience allowed me to value good communication in nursing and the need to incorporate it into daily nurse-patient interaction. Nurses must learn how to deliver bad news and manage patient's sorrow. This has been and will continue to be my biggest priority in patient care. References Street Jr, R. L., Makoul, G., Arora, N. K., & Epstein, R. M. (2009). How does communication heal? Pathways linking clinicianpatient communication to health outcomes. Patient education and counselling, 74(3), 295-301. Buckman, R. (1992). Breaking bad news: why is it still so difficult? BMJ: British Medical Journal, 304(6842), 886. Ptacek, J. T., & Eberhardt, T. L. (1996). Breaking bad news: a review of the literature. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 276(6), 496-502.

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How to Write a Nursing Essay with a Quick Guide

Ever felt the blank-page panic when assigned a nursing essay? Wondering where to start or if your words will measure up to the weight of your experiences? Fear not, because today, we're here to guide you through this process.

Imagine you're at your favorite coffee spot, armed with a cup of motivation (and maybe a sneaky treat). Got it? Great! Now, let's spill the secrets on how to spin your nursing tales into words that not only get you that A+ but also tug at the heartstrings of anyone reading. We've got your back with nursing essay examples that'll be your inspiration, an outline to keep you on the right path, and more!

What Is a Nursing Essay

Let's start by dissecting the concept. A nursing essay serves as a focused exploration of a specific aspect of nursing, providing an opportunity for students to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and its practical application in patient care settings.

Picture it as a journey through the challenges and victories of a budding nurse. These essays go beyond the classroom, tackling everything from tricky ethical dilemmas to the impact of healthcare policies on the front lines. It's not just about grades; it's about proving, 'I'm ready for the real deal.'

So, when you read or write a nursing essay, it's not just words on paper. It's like looking into the world of someone who's about to start their nursing career – someone who's really thought about the ins and outs of being a nurse. And before you kick off your nursing career, don't shy away from asking - write my essay for me - we're ready to land a professional helping hand.

How to Start a Nursing Essay

When you start writing a nursing essay, it is like gearing up for a crucial mission. Here's your quick guide from our nursing essay writing service :

Choosing Your Topic: Select a topic that sparks your interest and relates to real-world nursing challenges. Consider areas like patient care, ethical dilemmas, or the impact of technology on healthcare.

Outline Your Route : Plan your essay's journey. Create a roadmap with key points you want to cover. This keeps you on track and your essay on point.

Craft a Strong Thesis: Assuming you already know how to write a hook , kick off your writing with a surprising fact, a thought-provoking quote, or a brief anecdote. Then, state your main argument or perspective in one sentence. This thesis will serve as the compass for your essay, guiding both you and your reader through the rest of your writing.

How to Structure a Nursing Essay

Every great essay is like a well-orchestrated performance – it needs a script, a narrative that flows seamlessly, capturing the audience's attention from start to finish. In our case, this script takes the form of a well-organized structure. Let's delve into the elements that teach you how to write a nursing essay, from a mere collection of words to a compelling journey of insights.

Nursing Essay Introduction

Begin your nursing essay with a spark. Knowing how to write essay introduction effectively means sharing a real-life scenario or a striking fact related to your topic. For instance, if exploring patient care, narrate a personal experience that made a lasting impression. Then, crisply state your thesis – a clear roadmap indicating the direction your essay will take. Think of it as a teaser that leaves the reader eager to explore the insights you're about to unfold.

In the main body, dive into the heart of your essay. Each paragraph should explore a specific aspect of your topic. Back your thoughts with examples – maybe a scenario from your clinical experience, a relevant case study, or findings from credible sources. Imagine it as a puzzle coming together; each paragraph adds a piece, forming a complete picture. Keep it focused and let each idea flow naturally into the next.

Nursing Essay Conclusion

As writing a nursing essay nears the end, resist the urge to introduce new elements. Summarize your main points concisely. Remind the reader of the real-world significance of your thesis – why it matters in the broader context of nursing. Conclude with a thought-provoking statement or a call to reflection, leaving your reader with a lasting impression. It's like the final scene of a movie that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.

Nursing Essay Outline

Before diving into the essay, craft a roadmap – your outline. This isn't a rigid skeleton but a flexible guide that ensures your ideas flow logically. Consider the following template from our research paper writing service :

Introduction

• Opening Hook: Share a brief, impactful patient care scenario.
• Relevance Statement: Explain why the chosen topic is crucial in nursing.
• Thesis: Clearly state the main argument or perspective.

Patient-Centered Care:

• Definition: Clarify what patient-centered care means in nursing.
• Personal Experience: Share a relevant encounter from clinical practice.
• Evidence: Integrate findings from reputable nursing literature.

Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Practice

• Scenario Presentation: Describe a specific ethical challenge faced by nurses.
• Decision-Making Process: Outline steps taken to address the dilemma.
• Ethical Frameworks: Discuss any ethical theories guiding the decision.

Impact of Technology on Nursing

• Current Trends: Highlight technological advancements in nursing.
• Case Study: Share an example of technology enhancing patient care.
• Challenges and Benefits: Discuss the pros and cons of technology in nursing.
• Summary of Key Points: Recap the main ideas from each section.
• Real-world Implications: Emphasize the practical significance in nursing practice.
• Closing Thought: End with a reflective statement or call to action.

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Nursing Essay Examples

Here are the nursing Essay Examples for you to read.

Writing a Nursing Essay: Essential Tips

When it comes to crafting a stellar nursing essay, a few key strategies can elevate your work from ordinary to exceptional. Here are some valuable tips from our medical school personal statement writer :

Connect with Personal Experiences:

• Approach: Weave personal encounters seamlessly into your narrative.
• Reasoning: This not only adds authenticity to your essay but also serves as a powerful testament to your firsthand understanding of the challenges and triumphs in the nursing field.

Emphasize Critical Thinking:

• Approach: Go beyond describing situations; delve into their analysis.
• Reasoning: Nursing essays are the perfect platform to showcase your critical thinking skills – an essential attribute in making informed decisions in real-world healthcare scenarios.

Incorporate Patient Perspectives:

• Approach: Integrate patient stories or feedback into your discussion.
• Reasoning: By bringing in the human element, you demonstrate empathy and an understanding of the patient's experience, a core aspect of nursing care.

Integrate Evidence-Based Practice:

• Approach: Support your arguments with the latest evidence-based literature.
• Reasoning: Highlighting your commitment to staying informed and applying current research underscores your dedication to evidence-based practice – a cornerstone in modern nursing.

Address Ethical Considerations:

• Approach: Explicitly discuss the ethical dimensions of your topic.
• Reasoning: Nursing essays provide a platform to delve into the ethical complexities inherent in healthcare, showcasing your ability to navigate and analyze these challenges.

Balance Theory and Practice:

• Approach: Connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications.
• Reasoning: By bridging the gap between theory and practice, you illustrate your capacity to apply academic knowledge effectively in the dynamic realm of nursing.

Highlight Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Approach: Discuss collaborative efforts with other healthcare professionals.
• Reasoning: Acknowledging the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare underscores your understanding of the importance of teamwork – a vital aspect of successful nursing practice.

Reflect on Lessons Learned:

• Approach: Conclude with a thoughtful reflection on personal growth or lessons from your exploration.
• Reasoning: This not only provides a satisfying conclusion but also demonstrates your self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement as a nursing professional.

As we wrap up, think of your essay as a story about your journey into nursing. It's not just about getting a grade; it's a way to share what you've been through and why you want to be a nurse.

Imagine the person reading it – maybe a teacher, a future coworker, or someone starting their nursing journey. They're trying to understand your passion and why you care about nursing.

So, when you write, remember it's more than just an assignment. It's your chance to show why nursing matters to you. And if you ever need help – there's always support from our essay writer online .

Ready to Excel in Your Nursing School Essay?

Order now and experience the expertise of our professional writers!

How to Write a Nursing Essay?

How can a nursing essay effectively address ethical considerations, what are some examples of evidence-based practices in nursing essays.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

What is the Nursing Process?

Characteristics of the nursing process, history of the nursing process.

Understanding the nursing process is key to providing quality care to your patients. The nursing process is a cyclical process used to assess, diagnose, and care for patients as a nurse. It includes 5 progressive steps often referred to with the acronym:

• Planning/outcomes
• Implementation

In this article, we’ll discuss each step of the nursing process in detail and include some examples of how this process might look in your practice. 

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The nursing process is a patient-centered, systematic, evidence-based approach to delivering high-quality nursing care. It consists of five steps: assessment , diagnosis , outcomes/planning, implementation, and evaluation.

The Nursing Process (ADPIE)

1. Assessment

To begin the nursing process, assessment involves collecting information about the patient and their health. This information is used to identify any problems, or potential problems, that may need to be addressed while you’re caring for a patient. 

Example: If you’re admitting an older patient who is falling and getting injured at home, you’ll want to do a thorough physical and mental health assessment, including a medical history to try and determine why this is happening. 

Some important things you’ll want to find out are:

• What medications and over-the-counter products is the patient taking
• History of alcohol and recreational drug use
• Where the person lives and the layout of their home, including scatter rugs they may be tripping over: clutter, pets, stairs, slippery tubs they’re climbing into or out of, fluid or food spills on floors, lighting, mobility aids they use, etc.

2. Diagnosis

The Nursing Diagnosis is the second step in the nursing process and involves identifying real or potential health problems for a patient based on the information you gathered during the assessment. 

Example: Using the falls patient example above, you may identify from your assessment that the patient is falling because they’re tripping on things in their environment that they don’t see, like their pet cat lying on the floor and loose scatter rugs. 

Based on this, you might form a diagnosis such as “Falls related to poor vision, cluttered environment, unsteady gait, Lt. hip pain due to previous fall.”

3. Outcomes/Planning

Planning or Outcomes is the third step in the nursing process. This step involves developing a nursing care plan that includes goals and strategies to address the problems identified during the assessment and diagnosis steps. 

Example: Continuing with the example above, you will likely recommend that the patient keep their environment,

• Free of scatter rugs
• Check to ensure the cat is not underfoot before they mobilize
• Suggest the patient use a walker for support when mobilizing
• Recommending that the patient schedule an eye exam to get their vision checked if they have not had one in the last year or two would also be a good idea or if they’ve noticed any changes in their vision lately.

4. Implementation

As the fourth step of the nursing process, implementation involves putting the plan of care into action. 

Example In the above example, this would include: 

• Making sure the patient’s environment is free of clutter and tripping hazards while in the hospital or a skilled nursing facility.
• Teaching the patient to wear proper footwear before mobilizing.
• Assisting the patient with mobility as needed, including putting proper footwear on the patient if needed.
• Speaking to the patient and family about removing scatter rugs from the patient’s home, scheduling an eye exam, and ensuring proper footwear is worn for mobilizing at home.
• Discussing with the patient and family about getting the patient a walker to assist with mobility on discharge and providing one while the patient is admitted.

5. Evaluation

The last step of the nursing process is evaluation , which involves determining whether or not the goals of care have been met. 

Example Here you would look back at the patient’s medical record to see if the patient has had any further falls since implementing the preventative actions above. 

If so, you would repeat the nursing process over and reassess why this is still happening and plan new actions to prevent future falls.

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The nursing process is also characterized by the following elements. 

1. Dynamic and Cyclic

The nursing process is an evolving process that continues throughout a patient’s admission or illness and ends when the problems identified by the nurse are no longer an issue.

2. Patient-Centered and Goal-Directed

The entire nursing process is sensitive to and responsive to the patient's needs, preferences, and values. As nurses, we need to act as patient advocates and protect the patient’s right to make informed decisions while involving the patient in goal setting and attainment.

3. Collaborative and Interpersonal

This describes the level of interaction that may be required between nurses, patients, families and supports, and the interprofessional healthcare team. These aspects of the nursing process require mutual respect, cooperation, clear communication, and decision-making that is shared between all parties involved.

4. Universally Applicable

As a widely and globally accepted standard in nursing practice, the nursing process follows the same steps, regardless of where a nurse works. 

5. Systematic and Scientific

The nursing process is also an objective and predictable process for planning, conducting, and evaluating patient care that is based on a large body of scientific evidence found in peer-reviewed nursing research.

6. Requires Critical Thinking

Most importantly, it’s essential that nurses use critical thinking when planning patient care using the nursing process. This means as nurses, we must use a combination of our knowledge and past experiences with the information we have about a current patient to make the best decisions we can about nursing care.

The nursing process was introduced in 1958 by Ida Jean Orlando. Today, it continues to be the most widely-accepted method of prioritizing, organizing, and providing patient care in the nursing profession.

It’s characterized by the key elements of:

• Critical thinking
• Client-centered methods for treatment
• Goal-oriented activities
• Evidence-based nursing research and findings

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• The nursing process helps nurses to provide quality patient care by taking a holistic view of each patient they plan care for.
• The nursing process is an evidence-based approach to caring for patients that helps nurses provide quality care and improve patient outcomes.
• Ida Jean Orlando introduced the nursing process in 1958.
• The primary focus of the nursing process is the patient or client. The process is designed to meet the real and potential healthcare needs of the patient/client and to prevent possible illness or injury.

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Nursing Essay Examples

Nursing Essay Examples That Will Help You Write a Stellar Paper

Published on: May 6, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

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Many nursing students struggle with writing effective nursing essays, which are an essential part of their education and professional development.

Poor essay writing skills can lead to low grades and an inability to effectively communicate important information.

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to writing nursing essays with examples and tips for effective writing. Whether you are a nursing student or a professional looking to improve your writing skills, this blog has something for you. 

By following the tips and examples provided, you can write compelling nursing essays that showcase your dedication to the field.

Let’s get started.

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What is a Nursing Essay?

A nursing essay is a type of academic writing that aims to explore a particular topic related to nursing. It also presents a clear and concise argument or viewpoint supported by evidence. 

Nursing essays can take many forms, including:

• Descriptive essays
• Reflective essays
• Analytical essays
• Persuasive essays

What is the Importance of the Nursing Essay?

Nursing essays are important for several reasons. First, they help nursing students develop critical thinking skills by requiring them to analyze and evaluate information.

Second, they help students develop research skills by requiring them to locate and use credible sources to support their arguments. 

Third, nursing essays help students develop communication skills by requiring them to present their ideas clearly and concisely in writing. Finally, nursing essays are important for nursing education because they prepare students for the types of writing.

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To help students better understand how to write nursing essays, it can be helpful to review examples.

Below are some examples of nursing essays.

Nursing School Essay Examples

College Nursing Essay Examples

Graduate Nursing Essay Examples

Nursing Scholarship Essay Examples

Nursing Essay Conclusion Examples

Nursing Essay Examples of Different Fields

Nursing is a diverse field with many different specialties and areas of focus. As a result, nursing essays can take many different forms and cover a wide range of topics. 

Given below are some examples of different types of nursing essays:

Personal Philosophy Of Nursing - Essay Examples

Cal State Fullerton Nursing Essay Examples

Evidence Based Practice Nursing In Medical Field - Essay Examples

Leadership In Nursing And Healthcare Professionals - Essay Examples

Principles Of Professional Practice Of Nursing Professionals And Pharmacists

If you're seeking additional examples of nursing essays, you're in luck! 

Below are some more examples that can help you gain a better understanding of nursing essays:

Health Care And Reflective Models For Nursing - Essay Examples

History Of Nursing Essay Examples

Ethical Dilemma In Nurses Work - Essay Examples

Mental Health Nursing Essay Examples

Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay

Working In A Team And Collaboration In Nursing

How to Write a Nursing Essay

Writing a nursing essay can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience.

Here are the key steps involved in writing a nursing essay:

Understanding the Topic and Question

The first step in writing a nursing essay is to carefully read and understand the topic and question. 

This will help you determine what information you need to research and include in your essay. Make sure you understand any key terms or concepts related to the topic. Consider different perspectives or viewpoints that may be relevant.

Researching the Topic

Once you have a clear understanding of the topic and question, it's time to research. 

Start by gathering information from credible sources such as academic journals, textbooks, and government websites. 

Consider both primary and secondary sources, and make sure to take detailed notes as you read.

Organizing and Outlining the Essay

Once you have completed your research, it's time to organize your ideas and create an outline for your essay. 

Start by identifying the main points or arguments you want to make, and then organize them into a logical order that flows well. 

Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Writing the Essay

With your outline in place, it's time to start writing your essay. Make sure to follow your outline closely, and use clear and concise language that effectively communicates your ideas. 

Use evidence from your research to support your arguments, and cite your sources appropriately.

Editing and Revising the Essay

Once you have completed a first draft of your essay, take some time to edit and revise it. Look for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation, and make sure your essay is well-organized and flows well. 

Consider asking a peer or instructor to review your essay and provide feedback.

What To Include In Your Nursing Essay

When writing a nursing essay, there are several key elements that you should include. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Introduction

Your introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic and purpose of your essay. It should also include a clear thesis statement that presents your main argument or point of view.

• Background Information

Provide some background information on the topic to help the reader better understand the context of your essay. This can include relevant statistics, historical information, or other contextual details.

• Evidence and Examples

Use evidence and examples from your research to support your arguments and demonstrate your knowledge of the topic. Make sure to cite your sources appropriately and use a variety of sources to strengthen your argument.

• Analysis and Evaluation

Provide analysis and evaluation of the evidence and examples you've presented. This can include discussing strengths and weaknesses, comparing and contrasting different viewpoints, or offering your own perspective on the topic.

Your conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement. It should also offer some final thoughts or suggestions for further research or action.

Nursing Essay Topic Ideas

Choosing a topic for your nursing essay can be challenging, but there are many areas in the field that you can explore. Here are some nursing essay topic ideas to consider:

• The role of technology in nursing practice
• The impact of cultural diversity on healthcare delivery
• Nursing leadership and management in healthcare organizations
• Ethical issues in nursing practice
• The importance of patient-centered care in nursing practice
• The impact of evidence-based practice on nursing care
• The role of nursing in promoting public health
• Nursing education and the importance of lifelong learning
• The impact of nursing shortages on healthcare delivery
• The importance of communication in nursing practice

These are just a few ideas to get you started. You can also explore other topics related to nursing that interest you or align with your academic or professional goals. 

Remember to choose a topic that is relevant, interesting, and feasible to research and write about.

Tips for Writing an Effective Nursing Essay

Writing a successful nursing essay requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you write an effective nursing essay:

• Writing Concisely and Clearly

Nursing essays should be written in clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon or technical terms. Use simple language and short sentences to help ensure that your ideas are communicated clearly and effectively.

• Stating a Clear Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should clearly state your main argument and provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and located at the end of your introduction.

• Using Proper Citation and Referencing

Citing and referencing your sources is crucial in any academic writing, including nursing essays. Make sure to use proper citation and referencing styles, such as APA or MLA. Include a reference list or bibliography at the end of your essay.

• Seeking Feedback and Revising

Before submitting your nursing essay, seek feedback from peers, professors, or writing tutors. Use their feedback to revise and improve your essay. Make sure that it is well-structured, coherent, and effectively communicates your point of view.

By following these tips, you can write a nursing essay that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in the field.

In conclusion, writing a successful nursing essay requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. 

To showcase your knowledge in the field of nursing, it is important to have a clear understanding of the topic at hand. When writing your nursing essay, be sure to include relevant examples, incorporate current research, and use proper citation and referencing. 

And remember , seeking feedback and revising your essay is key to ensuring that it effectively communicates your ideas and arguments.

If you need help with your nursing essay or any other type of academic writing, consider using our AI essay writer . 

Our nursing essay writing service can provide personalized support to help you succeed in your academic goals.

So, why wait? Contact us to get college essay writing help today! 

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How to Write a Nursing Essay Quickly and Effortlessly?

Samuel Gorbold

In the demanding field of nursing career, efficient and effective writing is a valuable skill that can greatly enhance academic success. Whether faced with looming deadlines or seeking to streamline the writing process, understanding how to compose a nursing essay quickly and effortlessly is crucial. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, offering practical tips, proven strategies, and insightful techniques tailored to the unique demands of nursing essays. From effective planning and nursing essay examples to honing research and writing skills, this article will teach you how to master the essay-writing process seamlessly, ensuring both academic excellence and time management in the dynamic world of healthcare education.

What Is a Nursing Essay?

A nursing essay is a written academic assignment that provides students in nursing programs with the opportunity to articulate their understanding of a particular topic, concept, or clinical experience. Nurse essay creation often requires students to explore and analyze nursing theories, healthcare practices, or case studies, demonstrating a deep comprehension of the subject matter. Additionally, nursing essays may involve critical reflection on personal experiences in clinical settings, allowing students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application.

The structure of a nursing essay typically includes an introduction, where the topic is introduced, and the thesis is stated, followed by the body paragraphs that elaborate on key points, provide evidence, and analyze the topic in depth. The conclusion summarizes the main arguments and reinforces the thesis, highlighting the significance of the discussed writing concepts in the context of nursing practice. Throughout the essay, students are encouraged to incorporate evidence-based information, uphold ethical considerations, and adhere to academic writing standards. Use our nursing essay writing service to get a better grip on structure and argumentation.

Medical essays play a crucial role in the educational journey to a nursing career, fostering critical thinking, effective communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the complexities within the healthcare field. These written works not only contribute to academic assessments but also serve as a means for students to articulate their perspectives, share insights gained from clinical experiences, and engage with the ongoing discourse in nursing practice and theory.

How to Start a Nursing Essay?

Starting essays on nursing effectively involves capturing the reader's attention, clearly stating your thesis or main idea, and providing a roadmap for what the essay will cover. Here are some steps to help you begin your nursing essay:

• Start with a Compelling Introduction

Begin your nursing essay with a strong and engaging introduction. You can use a thought-provoking question, a relevant anecdote, or a compelling statistic to grab the reader's attention. Clearly state the purpose of your essay and provide a concise overview of what you will discuss.

• State Your Thesis

In the introduction, clearly state your thesis or main argument. This is the central point that your essay will revolve around. Make sure it is concise, specific, and reflective of the main theme of your essay.

• Provide Context

Write some background or context related to the topic of your essay. This helps the reader understand the significance of the subject matter and sets the stage for the detailed discussions in the body of the essay.

• Outline the Structure

Briefly outline the structure of your essay in the introduction. This provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Mention the main points or sections you will cover in the essay's body.

• Maintain Clarity and Conciseness

Write your introduction clearly and concisely. Avoid unnecessary details or information that does not directly contribute to the main theme. Aim for a balance between providing context and maintaining brevity. In the next section, you will discover a nursing essay introduction example, as well as instructions on how to structure the main body and conclusion. 

How to Structure a Nursing Essay?

Essay creationing is an inalienable part of nursing education. A compelling paper parallels a meticulously executed performance, requiring a carefully crafted script and a narrative that unfolds effortlessly, captivating the audience throughout. This script manifests as a thoughtfully organized structure. Let's explore the components that guide the transformation of a nursing essay from a mere assortment of words into a captivating journey filled with valuable insights.

Introduction

The nursing essay introduction should serve as a captivating gateway, enticing the reader to delve into the complexities of the topic. Start with a compelling hook that relates to the subject matter. For instance, you might begin with a thought-provoking question, such as, "How do nurses navigate the delicate balance between empathy and professionalism in patient care?" Following the hook, write a brief overview of the paper's focus, culminating in a clear and concise thesis statement. For example, "This nursing essay will explore the nuanced challenges nurses face in maintaining empathetic connections with patients while upholding the standards of professional healthcare."

The body of your nursing essay should unfold like a well-organized narrative, with each paragraph contributing to the overall storyline. Write each paragraph with a topic sentence that encapsulates a key aspect of your argument. Substantiate your points with relevant examples, drawing from nursing theories, personal experiences, or real-life case studies. For instance, if discussing the importance of effective communication in nursing, narrate a scenario where clear communication positively impacts patient outcomes. Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs, allowing ideas to transition seamlessly. Address counterarguments and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic, supporting your claims with scholarly references and evidence.

Conclude your nursing essay by summarizing the key points and reinforcing the significance of your thesis. Avoid writing new information but rather synthesize the insights presented in the main body. Reflect on the broader implications of your findings for nursing practice or education. For example, if your essay explored the role of technology in modern healthcare, discuss the potential impact on patient outcomes and the evolving responsibilities of nurses. Conclude with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, prompting them to contemplate the complexities you've unraveled in your essay.

Nursing Essay Outline

Within the framework of nursing essay composition, the outline serves as a vital architectural blueprint. This section delves into the key elements constituting an effective nursing essay outline, offering a structured foundation for insightful and well-articulated academic discourse.

I. Introduction

• Engaging question or relevant anecdote.

Background:

• Brief context on the significance of the topic.

Thesis Statement:

• A clear and concise statement of the main argument.

Paragraph 1:

• Topic Sentence: Introduction of the first key aspect.
• Example: Real-life scenario, personal experience, or case study.
• Explanation: Analyze the example and relate it to the thesis.

Paragraph 2:

• Topic Sentence: Introduction of the second key aspect.
• Example: Another relevant illustration or supporting evidence.
• Explanation: Elaborate on the connection to the overall argument.

Paragraph 3:

• Topic Sentence: Introduction of the third key aspect.
• Example: Additional supporting evidence or nursing theory application.
• Explanation: Discuss the implications and significance.

Counterarguments:

• Acknowledge opposing views and counter with supporting evidence.

Integration:

• Demonstrate connections between the discussed aspects.
• Showcase a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

III. Conclusion

Summary of Key Points:

• Recap the main points discussed in the body.

Thesis Reinforcement:

• Reiterate the thesis and its significance.

Broader Implications:

• Discuss the broader impact on nursing practice or education.

Thought-Provoking Statement:

• Conclude with a memorable and reflective statement.

How to Write a Nursing Essay Step-by-Step?

Before the writing process begins, remember to adhere to academic standards, cite your sources appropriately, and proofread your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy before submission.

Step 1 – Understand the Assignment

Begin by thoroughly understanding the essay prompt or assignment requirements. Identify the specific topic, guidelines, and any key components that must be addressed in your essay.

Step 2 – Research and Gather Information

Conduct thorough research on the chosen topic. Utilize reputable nursing sources, including academic journals, textbooks, and evidence-based literature. Collect relevant information to support your arguments and enhance the credibility of your essay.

Step 3 – Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument or purpose of your nursing essay. Ensure that your thesis is specific, debatable, and reflective of the key themes you will explore.

Step 4 – Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts and structure your essay by creating an outline. Divide your essay into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Outline the main points you want to cover in each section, ensuring a logical flow of ideas.

Step 5 – Write a Compelling Introduction

Capture the reader's attention with a compelling introduction. Start with a hook, provide background information on the nursing topic, and end with a strong thesis statement that outlines the main focus of your essay.

Step 6 – Develop the Body Paragraphs

Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific aspect or key point related to your thesis. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence, support it with relevant examples or evidence, and provide analysis. Ensure a smooth transition between paragraphs to maintain the coherence of your nursing paper.

Step 7 – Craft a Thoughtful Conclusion

Summarize the main points discussed in the body of your essay and restate your thesis in the conclusion. Reflect on the broader implications of your findings, and end with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression on the nursing readers.

How to End a Nursing Essay?

In concluding a nursing essay, the primary goal is to reinforce the key points made throughout the essay and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Begin by summarizing the main arguments and findings presented in the essay's body. This recap should concisely revisit the critical aspects of your discussion, emphasizing their significance in the context of nursing practice or theory. By summarizing, you provide a quick reference to the essential takeaways, ensuring clarity and reinforcing the coherence of your essay.

Following the summary, re-write your nursing thesis in a slightly different manner, connecting it back to the broader implications of your study. Discuss how the insights gained from your exploration contribute to the nursing field or address real-world challenges. In this section, it's essential to avoid introducing new information; rather, focus on synthesizing the information presented and showcasing the broader relevance of your work. Finally, leave the reader with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action that encourages further contemplation of the discussed concepts and their impact on the dynamic landscape of nursing. This concluding touch ensures that your nursing essay concludes on a strong and memorable note. Hire long essay writer on EssayHub to get a proper assistance with all academic struggles you have.

15 Nursing Essay Writing Tips

• Clarify the essay requirements and ensure a precise understanding of the topic.
• Craft a clear and focused thesis statement to guide your essay.
• Utilize reputable sources and evidence-based nursing education literature for robust arguments.
• Break down tasks to manage time effectively and avoid last-minute stress.
• Create a well-organized outline to maintain a logical flow in your essay.
• ECapture attention with a compelling hook and clearly state your thesis.
• Dedicate each paragraph to a specific point supported by evidence.
• Move beyond description; analyze and reflect on the significance of your points.
• Use clear, concise, and professional language in your writing.
• Check for grammar, spelling, and coherence errors before submitting.
• Keep your essay focused on the main theme, avoiding unnecessary details.
• Properly cite all sources to uphold nursing integrity.
• Seek feedback from peers or instructors to gain valuable insights.
• Summarize key points and discuss broader implications in your conclusion.
• Review your essay with a fresh perspective, making targeted revisions for improvement.

Nursing Essay Example

It’s a well-known fact that a writing example packed with practical insights into how to produce a certain type of academic document helps students cope with such an assignment faster. That’s why we’ve prepared a nursing essay example for your inspirational and consulting needs.

Samuel Gorbold , a seasoned professor with over 30 years of experience, guides students across disciplines such as English, psychology, political science, and many more. Together with EssayHub, he is dedicated to enhancing student understanding and success through comprehensive academic support.

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The Nursing Process

Introduction.

The nursing process is an essential tool that guides nurses in providing patient-centred care. One aspect of this process is the development of a teaching plan, which is designed to meet the educational needs of patients. A teaching plan is a comprehensive and organized approach to educating patients and their families about their health conditions and the steps they can take to manage them. This essay will describe how the nursing process is applied to developing a teaching plan for a patient diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

A 25-year-old female patient has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and has been referred to the diabetes education program by her primary care physician. She has had difficulty controlling her blood sugar levels and is not achieving her A1C goals. The patient works full-time and is the primary caregiver for her two young children. She has limited knowledge of diabetes and its management and has expressed frustration and confusion about the diabetes self-management education she has received.

Learner’s assessment

The first step in the nursing process is assessment. In order to develop an effective teaching plan, it is essential to assess the patient’s current knowledge and understanding of diabetes, as well as their readiness to learn. This includes identifying any barriers to learning that the patient may have, such as limited literacy or language skills or other factors that may make it difficult for the patient to understand or retain information. In the case of our patient, a 25-year-old female diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is essential to assess her current knowledge of the disease, her readiness to learn, and any barriers to learning she may have. It is also important to assess her current self-management behaviours and routines, such as her diet, physical activity, and medication regimen. This information can be gathered through patient interviews and observation.

The patient’s anticipated or expected needs

Based on the assessment, the patient’s anticipated or expected needs can be identified. In this case, the patient needs to learn about the causes and symptoms of diabetes and how the disease affects her body. She also needs to learn about the importance of blood sugar control and how to achieve her A1C goals (Bright et al., 2022). Additionally, she needs to learn about healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management for diabetes self-management. Finally, she needs to learn about diabetes medications, their side effects, and how to take them safely.

Evidence-based teaching strategies

To meet these needs, evidence-based teaching strategies must be selected and prioritized. One effective teaching strategy is the patient-centred approach, which involves the patient in the education process and tailors the education to meet their specific needs. This approach is particularly effective for adult learners and has been shown to improve patient outcomes. Another evidence-based teaching strategy that can be used is the teach-back method, which involves having the patient explain the information back to the educator to ensure understanding. This method is particularly useful in evaluating the patient’s understanding of the information and ensuring that they have retained the key information (Bright et al., 2022). Additionally, using visuals such as diagrams, videos, and illustrations can be very helpful in making education more understandable and engaging.

In addition to the teaching strategies, the patient should be provided with resources that will help to enhance their learning. This can include written and verbal materials, such as pamphlets and handouts that are relevant to their specific needs (Toney-Butler & Thayer, 2022). Providing a list of diabetes education resources, such as local support groups and online resources, can also be beneficial. Additionally, providing the patient with a diabetes self-management logbook to track their blood sugar levels, diet, physical activity, and medications can help to promote self-management and independence.

Methods that would be used to evaluate learning outcomes

There are several methods that can be used to evaluate learning outcomes in the development of a teaching plan for a patient with diabetes. These methods can be divided into two main categories: formative evaluation and summative evaluation.

• Formative evaluation is an ongoing process that takes place throughout the teaching plan and is used to evaluate the patient’s understanding of the information as it is being presented. Formative evaluation methods include:
• The teach-back method: This involves having the patient explain the information back to the educator to ensure understanding (Toney-Butler & Thayer, 2022). This can be done immediately after the information has been presented or at a later time.
• Self-report questionnaires: These are used to assess the patient’s understanding of the information and their level of engagement with the education process.
• Self-monitoring tools: These include self-management logbooks, blood sugar monitoring logs, or other tools that help the patient track their progress in relation to the learning objectives of the teaching plan.

It’s also worth noting that the patient and family evaluation can provide feedback on the teaching process, which could help to improve the next teaching plan for a different patient. In order to ensure that the teaching plan is effective, it’s important to use a combination of both formative and summative evaluation methods. This can provide a more comprehensive assessment of the patient’s understanding of the information and their ability to apply it to their diabetes self-management.

The rationales for the elements of the teaching plan are as follows :

• Assessment of Learner: Assessing the patient’s current knowledge and understanding of diabetes, as well as their readiness to learn and any barriers to learning, is essential to developing an effective teaching plan. This information can be used to identify the patient’s specific learning needs and tailor the education to meet those needs. By assessing the patient’s current self-management behaviours and routines, the nurse can also identify any areas where the patient needs additional support or education.
• Anticipated or Expected Learner Needs: By identifying the patient’s anticipated or expected needs, the nurse can ensure that the education addresses the most important and relevant information for the patient. In this case, the patient needs to learn about the causes and symptoms of diabetes and how the disease affects her body. She also needs to learn about the importance of blood sugar control and how to achieve her A1C goals. Additionally, she needs to learn about healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management for diabetes self-management. Finally, she needs to learn about diabetes medications, their side effects, and how to take them safely.
• Evidence-based Teaching Strategies: Using evidence-based teaching strategies, such as the patient-centred approach, the teach-back method, and the use of visuals, can ensure that the education is effective and engaging for the patient. The patient-centred approach, in particular, has been shown to improve patient outcomes and promote patient involvement in the education process. The teach-back method is effective in evaluating the patient’s understanding of the information and ensuring that they have retained the key information.
• Resources: Providing resources such as written and verbal materials, diabetes self-management logbooks, and a list of diabetes education resources can help to enhance the patient’s learning and promote self-management. These resources can also provide the patient with ongoing support and information, even after the formal education process is complete.
• Evaluation of Learning Outcomes: It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching plan to determine whether the patient has achieved the desired learning outcomes. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as assessing the patient’s understanding of the information, reviewing their diabetes self-management logbook, monitoring their A1C levels, and conducting a post-education survey. This allows the healthcare provider to identify what the patient understands and what areas need further reinforcement, leading to an improvement in the patient’s health outcomes.

All these elements are supported by the nursing process and references from required course reading assignments which provide the framework for planning and delivering patient education that is tailored to the patient’s unique needs. By assessing the patient’s current knowledge, readiness to learn, and barriers to learning and selecting and prioritizing evidence-based teaching strategies, nurses can develop an effective teaching plan that helps the patient achieve their goals. This can result in improved patient outcomes, increased self-management and independence, and greater satisfaction with the education process.

In conclusion, the nursing process provides a crucial framework for planning and delivering patient education that is tailored to meet the unique needs of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (Lilley et al., 2022). By using the nursing process to assess the patient’s current knowledge and understanding of diabetes, readiness to learn, and any barriers to learning, nurses can identify the patient’s anticipated or expected needs. Once identified, they can select and prioritize evidence-based teaching strategies that best meet those needs. Resources like written materials, diabetes self-management logbooks, and diabetes education resources can help enhance learning and promote self-management (Lilley et al., 2022). Additionally, it is crucial to use both formative and summative evaluation methods to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching plan and identify areas for improvement. By following this process, nurses can develop an effective teaching plan that helps patients achieve their goals, resulting in improved patient outcomes, increased self-management and independence, and greater satisfaction with the education process.

Bright, A. M., Hennessy, T., & Doody, O. (2022). The role and key activities of Clinical Nurse Specialists and Advanced Nurse Practitioners in supporting healthcare provision for people with intellectual disability: An integrative review.  International Journal of Nursing Studies , 104207.

Lilley, L. L., Collins, S. R., & Snyder, J. S. (2022).  Pharmacology and the nursing process E-Book . Elsevier health sciences.

Toney-Butler, T. J., & Thayer, J. M. (2022). Nursing process. In  StatPearls [Internet] . StatPearls Publishing.

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What is Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing? (With Examples, Benefits, & Challenges)

Are you a nurse looking for ways to increase patient satisfaction, improve patient outcomes, and impact the profession? Have you found yourself caught between traditional nursing approaches and new patient care practices? Although evidence-based practices have been used for years, this concept is the focus of patient care today more than ever. Perhaps you are wondering, “What is evidence-based practice in nursing?” In this article, I will share information to help you begin understanding evidence-based practice in nursing + 10 examples about how to implement EBP.

What is Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing?

When was evidence-based practice first introduced in nursing, who introduced evidence-based practice in nursing, what is the difference between evidence-based practice in nursing and research in nursing, what are the benefits of evidence-based practice in nursing, top 5 benefits to the patient, top 5 benefits to the nurse, top 5 benefits to the healthcare organization, 10 strategies nursing schools employ to teach evidence-based practices, 1. assigning case studies:, 2. journal clubs:, 3. clinical presentations:, 4. quizzes:, 5. on-campus laboratory intensives:, 6. creating small work groups:, 7. interactive lectures:, 8. teaching research methods:, 9. requiring collaboration with a clinical preceptor:, 10. research papers:, what are the 5 main skills required for evidence-based practice in nursing, 1. critical thinking:, 2. scientific mindset:, 3. effective written and verbal communication:, 4. ability to identify knowledge gaps:, 5. ability to integrate findings into practice relevant to the patient’s problem:, what are 5 main components of evidence-based practice in nursing, 1. clinical expertise:, 2. management of patient values, circumstances, and wants when deciding to utilize evidence for patient care:, 3. practice management:, 4. decision-making:, 5. integration of best available evidence:, what are some examples of evidence-based practice in nursing, 1. elevating the head of a patient’s bed between 30 and 45 degrees, 2. implementing measures to reduce impaired skin integrity, 3. implementing techniques to improve infection control practices, 4. administering oxygen to a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd), 5. avoiding frequently scheduled ventilator circuit changes, 6. updating methods for bathing inpatient bedbound clients, 7. performing appropriate patient assessments before and after administering medication, 8. restricting the use of urinary catheterizations, when possible, 9. encouraging well-balanced diets as soon as possible for children with gastrointestinal symptoms, 10. implementing and educating patients about safety measures at home and in healthcare facilities, how to use evidence-based knowledge in nursing practice, step #1: assessing the patient and developing clinical questions:, step #2: finding relevant evidence to answer the clinical question:, step #3: acquire evidence and validate its relevance to the patient’s specific situation:, step #4: appraise the quality of evidence and decide whether to apply the evidence:, step #5: apply the evidence to patient care:, step #6: evaluating effectiveness of the plan:, 10 major challenges nurses face in the implementation of evidence-based practice, 1. not understanding the importance of the impact of evidence-based practice in nursing:, 2. fear of not being accepted:, 3. negative attitudes about research and evidence-based practice in nursing and its impact on patient outcomes:, 4. lack of knowledge on how to carry out research:, 5. resource constraints within a healthcare organization:, 6. work overload:, 7. inaccurate or incomplete research findings:, 8. patient demands do not align with evidence-based practices in nursing:, 9. lack of internet access while in the clinical setting:, 10. some nursing supervisors/managers may not support the concept of evidence-based nursing practices:, 12 ways nurse leaders can promote evidence-based practice in nursing, 1. be open-minded when nurses on your teams make suggestions., 2. mentor other nurses., 3. support and promote opportunities for educational growth., 4. ask for increased resources., 5. be research-oriented., 6. think of ways to make your work environment research-friendly., 7. promote ebp competency by offering strategy sessions with staff., 8. stay up-to-date about healthcare issues and research., 9. actively use information to demonstrate ebp within your team., 10. create opportunities to reinforce skills., 11. develop templates or other written tools that support evidence-based decision-making., 12. review evidence for its relevance to your organization., bonus 8 top suggestions from a nurse to improve your evidence-based practices in nursing, 1. subscribe to nursing journals., 2. offer to be involved with research studies., 3. be intentional about learning., 4. find a mentor., 5. ask questions, 6. attend nursing workshops and conferences., 7. join professional nursing organizations., 8. be honest with yourself about your ability to independently implement evidence-based practice in nursing., useful resources to stay up to date with evidence-based practices in nursing, professional organizations & associations, blogs/websites, youtube videos, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what did nurses do before evidence-based practice, 2. how did florence nightingale use evidence-based practice, 3. what is the main limitation of evidence-based practice in nursing, 4. what are the common misconceptions about evidence-based practice in nursing, 5. are all types of nurses required to use evidence-based knowledge in their nursing practice, 6. will lack of evidence-based knowledge impact my nursing career, 7. i do not have access to research databases, how do i improve my evidence-based practice in nursing, 7. are there different levels of evidence-based practices in nursing.

• Level One: Meta-analysis of random clinical trials and experimental studies • Level Two: Quasi-experimental studies- These are focused studies used to evaluate interventions. • Level Three: Non-experimental or qualitative studies. • Level Four: Opinions of nationally recognized experts based on research. • Level Five: Opinions of individual experts based on non-research evidence such as literature reviews, case studies, organizational experiences, and personal experiences.

8. How Can I Assess My Evidence-Based Knowledge In Nursing Practice?

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How to Write a Good Nursing Application Essay (With Examples)

Wilson logan.

• May 19, 2024
• Nursing Writing Guides

Embarking on a nursing school journey? Becoming a nurse takes more than just desire—it requires a demonstration of commitment and insight into the field of nursing. A pivotal step in your application is crafting a compelling nursing application essay. This piece is your window to express your individuality, passion, and aspirations within the nursing field.

This essay not only showcases your writing prowess and critical thinking skills but also your ability to convey ideas clearly. Creating an outstanding nursing application essay that resonates with the admission committee can seem daunting. You might ponder over questions like: What should my focus be? How do I illustrate my enthusiasm for nursing?

Or even, how do I make a memorable impression on the admissions panel and steer clear of common pitfalls?

In this guide, we aim to address these queries and more. We’ll navigate you through crafting an impactful nursing application essay, coupled with insights, examples, and best practices to forge a personal and persuasive narrative. Embrace this advice, and script an essay that mirrors your unique path, your goals, and your dedication to the nursing vocation, positioning you as an ideal candidate for your chosen nursing program.

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Understanding the Importance of a Nursing Application Essay

A nursing application essay stands as more than merely an academic composition. It plays a pivotal role in the nursing school admission process, where crafting a persuasive piece may distinguish you as an exceptional candidate among those who want to be nurses. The inclusion of personal experiences, achievements, objectives, and motivations behind your desire to become a nurse communicates to the admissions team your suitability for their program.

This essay acts as your personal voice throughout the admission journey. It offers a platform to directly address the admissions committee, narrate your story, and articulate your attraction to the nursing profession. The significance of this essay cannot be understated, as it often becomes the critical element in differentiating you from the pool of applicants, especially when you want to include experiences that underscore your suitability to become a nurse.

It mirrors your past experiences, future ambitions, and dedication to the principles upheld by the nursing profession.

To enhance the likelihood of your application’s acceptance, it is essential to excel in crafting your nursing school application essay. This necessitates dedicative planning. Focus on identifying key points you wish to include in your essay, encapsulating your personal journey, and integrating your achievements.

Initiate your essay with an engaging introductory statement to captivate your audience. It’s imperative to convey to the readers who you are and the significance of nursing to you.

The value of a nursing school essay extends beyond just satisfying an application criterion—it represents a chance to humanize your application. Picture your application as a canvas; your academic achievements and certificates illustrate your scholarly and technical expertise. However, the nursing essay adds dimension and vibrancy to this canvas, imbuing your application with life and allowing you to showcase your distinctiveness.

In the highly competitive realm of nursing school applications, your essay assumes a critical role in setting you apart from the competition. Amid numerous qualified applicants, your essay offers a window into your unique character, detailing your personal journey, challenges, successes, compassion, and enthusiasm for nursing.

Furthermore, it provides applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in coherent communication, an essential skill for nurses required to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Creating a compelling nursing application essay that secures your admission to your desired nursing school or program demands meticulous planning, research, and creativity. In the forthcoming sections, we will furnish you with tips, examples, and best practices to aid you in developing a personal and impactful nursing school essay.

Preparation Before Writing

Embarking on your nursing school personal statement requires preliminary legwork to ensure you’re well-informed about the essay prompt and the nursing school of your choice. This crucial step will enable you to write a personal statement that resonates with the admissions committee’s specific criteria and expectations. Follow these essential steps:

Comprehending the Prompt

The inaugural step involves thoroughly understanding the prompt and the nursing application essay requirements. The prompt is essentially the question or statement your essay needs to address, focusing on your interest, motivation, and objectives in pursuing a nursing career. Familiar prompts include:

• Your motivation for choosing nursing as a career
• Your immediate and long-term nursing goals
• How the nursing program will facilitate your goal achievement
• Key qualities that define an exemplary nurse
• The experiences shaping your nursing career choice

Decipher the prompt by identifying pivotal words and phrases signifying the essay’s intended purpose, scope, and tone. If it necessitates a description or explanation, ensure you provide comprehensive and factual information. Conversely, prompts demanding analysis or evaluation require a critical and reasoned outlook, while persuasion calls for a compelling argument.

Adhere to the essay’s stipulated requirements, including word count, format, style, and submission deadline, to avoid penalties or disqualification. For any uncertainties regarding the prompt or requirements, engaging with the nursing school for further clarification is advisable.

Researching the Nursing School

The subsequent step involves detailed research into the nursing school or program of interest. This showcases your enthusiasm and familiarity with the specific nursing field and institution and ensures your essay is in consonance with the school’s mission, vision, and values.

Employ a variety of sources for your research, like the school’s official website, promotional materials, social platforms, alumni feedback, and online reviews. Interactions with the nursing school’s faculty, staff, or students can also offer deeper insights.

Key research areas should include:

• The history, reputation, and accreditation status of the nursing school or program
• The academic offerings, faculty expertise, and curriculum structure
• Details on the admissions criteria, selection process, and statistics
• Available facilities, resources, and extracurricular opportunities
• The institutional culture, values, and overarching goals

As you compile your findings, maintain detailed notes and source references to ensure proper citation and avoid plagiarism. Focus on integrating information that reinforces your main arguments while omitting any superfluous details that might detract from your message.

Crafting Your Essay

Once you’ve grasped the essay prompt and researched your chosen nursing school thoroughly, it’s time to embark on the writing process. Crafting an engaging nursing personal statement is no small feat—it demands meticulous planning, organization, and a touch of creativity. Follow these key steps to ensure your essay stands out:

Creating an Outline

Begin by drafting an outline, a crucial step that provides a structured framework for organizing your thoughts and arguments clearly and coherently. An effective outline helps prevent redundancy, irrelevant content, and omissions, typically featuring three main sections: the introduction, body, and conclusion.

The introduction should present who you are, your enthusiasm for nursing, and your core thesis statement—the primary message you wish to communicate to the admissions panel. This statement needs to be succinct, transparent, and precise.

For instance, a compelling thesis statement might be, “Driven by a genuine desire to aid others, my robust academic foundation, and a personal journey towards nursing, I am poised to pursue a nursing career.”

In the body, elaborate on your thesis with supportive evidence, examples, and anecdotes. Structure the body into several paragraphs, each spotlighting a distinct idea tying back to the thesis. Open each paragraph with a topic sentence introducing its main idea, and conclude with a sentence that summarizes the idea and transitions into the next section.

An example structure could include paragraphs dedicated to your passion for helping others, your educational background, and a defining personal experience.

The conclusion is your opportunity to reiterate your thesis, encapsulate your primary arguments, and make a memorable impression on the admissions committee. Summarize your points without introducing new ideas, highlighting the significance of what you’ve discussed. Conclude with a potent statement reflecting your enthusiasm, confidence, and appreciation, something akin to, “I am confident in my ability to thrive as a nurse and contribute significantly to the nursing profession. It would be a privilege to join your esteemed nursing school and gain insights from your distinguished faculty and staff.”

Writing an Engaging Introduction

The second step involves crafting a captivating introduction . This segment, being the admissions committee’s first point of contact with your essay, should seize their interest immediately. Employ strategies like a compelling hook—a question, a quote, an intriguing statistic, or a personal story. For instance, “Witnessing a car accident at the age of 12 profoundly transformed my perspective on life.”

Following your hook, offer necessary background information that frames your essay. Briefly introduce yourself, explain your interest in nursing, and your reasons for applying to the specific nursing school or program, invoking the school or program’s name to demonstrate your detailed interest and familiarity.

The introduction’s final element is your thesis statement, which should clearly, concisely, and specifically outline the main argument or message you aim to convey, along with a preview of the key points or ideas that will be further explored in the essay body.

Developing the Body of Your Essay

The body of your essay is where you flesh out your thesis statement with concrete evidence, engaging examples, and compelling narratives. Ensure each paragraph focuses on a singular idea relevant to your thesis, introduced via a topic sentence and concluded in a way that seamlessly leads to the subsequent point.

Employ a mix of sentence structures, lengths, and vocabulary to keep the essay dynamic and engaging. Use transitional phrases like “firstly,” “secondly,” “however,” and “consequently,” to ensure a coherent flow between paragraphs. Be mindful of the essay’s word count, format, style, and tone, adhering to the nursing school’s guidelines to maintain a professional and positive tone throughout.

Concluding with Impact

The conclusion is your final chance to influence the admissions committee. Reinforce your thesis statement and summarize the essay’s core points, underscoring their relevance and demonstrating how they align with the nursing program’s values and objectives. Avoid introducing new information; instead, solidify the arguments you’ve presented and their significance. Conclude with a powerful statement that encapsulates your main message, reaffirms your commitment and suitability for the program, and expresses gratitude for the committee’s consideration. For example, “Confident in my potential to excel in nursing and make meaningful contributions to patient care, I am eager to join your nursing school and absorb knowledge from your esteemed faculty. Thank you for considering my application.”

Personalize Your Essay

To ensure your essay captivates the admissions board, infusing it with your personal touch is crucial after you’ve laid down its structure, crafted an engaging introduction, built out the body, and concluded with impact. Making your essay uniquely yours involves shining a light on your distinctive traits, expressing your desire to become a nurse, and demonstrating your empathy and compassion.

Follow these steps to add that personalized flair:

Highlighting Your Unique Qualities

Begin by spotlighting the singular qualities that render you an excellent fit for the nursing program. Discuss your personality, strengths, skills, and achievements to illustrate your readiness and suitability for a career in nursing.

It’s also key to share stories of any hurdles you’ve overcome, showcasing how these experiences have molded your character and spurred growth. Use specific, relevant anecdotes to bring these qualities to life, employing confident and positive language. Remember to stay true to yourself, dodging the pitfalls of clichés and overstatements, while ensuring you’re not redundantly repeating your resume but instead revealing new facets of your profile.

Sharing Your Nursing Aspirations

The next phase involves sharing your ambitions within the nursing field, detailing your career objectives and what sparks your enthusiasm for nursing. Clarify why you want to become a nurse, your goals as a registered nurse, and how you aim to make a difference. Discuss any particular interests or specializations and their resonance with your chosen program.

Your narrative should convey a realistic, yet passionate vision, highlighting your excitement for nursing, its alignment with your principles, and your cognizance of the profession’s evolving landscape. This is the moment to express your eagerness for lifelong learning in nursing and how the program will bolster your career trajectory.

Showcasing Empathy and Compassion

Lastly, your essay should illustrate your empathy and compassion—fundamental traits of a nurse. Empathy reflects your capacity to understand others’ feelings, whereas compassion showcases your desire to assist and care. Narrate instances where you’ve exemplified these virtues in personal or professional scenarios, emphasizing their impact on your nursing ambition.

Utilize emotive and vibrant language supported by concrete examples to depict your compassionate actions and their transformative influence on your life and nursing philosophy , illustrating how they cement your ethical framework and inform your patient care approach.

Polishing Your Essay

After highlighting your unique qualities, sharing your nursing aspirations, and showcasing empathy and compassion within your essay, it’s crucial to refine it to perfection. Polishing includes seeking feedback, editing, and proofreading to enhance the essay’s content, structure, and style. Here are some tips to help you write a strong essay perfect for the application process.

Follow these steps to elevate your essay:

Seeking Feedback

Gathering external feedback is your initial step. This can be from friends, family, mentors, teachers, or professional editors. It’s a way to identify your essay’s strengths and shortcomings and offers suggestions for refinements. Feedback also provides a fresh perspective, akin to viewing your essay through the admissions committee’s eyes.

Choose a reviewer who is knowledgeable, honest, and supportive. Provide them with the essay’s prompt and requirements, and ask for an assessment based on:

• Content: Does your essay respond to the prompt and address key points? Does it offer ample evidence and stories to back your thesis? Does it reflect your personality, passion, and nursing ambitions?
• Structure: Is your essay logically organized with an engaging introduction, coherent body, and strong conclusion? Are transitions and sentences used effectively to connect ideas?
• Style: Does your essay adhere to a clear format (APA, MLA, Chicago) for citations and plagiarism prevention? Is the style formal and professional, free from slang, jargon, and contractions? Does it maintain a positive tone without negativity or exaggeration?
• Grammar: Are spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar correct? Does the essay utilize varied sentence structures and word choices to enhance readability?

Upon receiving feedback, thank the contributor, review their insights carefully, remain open-minded, and view this as an opportunity to refine your essay. Avoid taking feedback personally; instead, see it as a means to enhance your work.

Editing and Proofreading

The subsequent step is editing and proofreading your essay to correct any errors or inconsistencies. While editing focuses on improving content, structure, and style, proofreading targets grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format accuracy.

During editing, concentrate on your essay’s overall quality. Ensure it fulfills the prompt, supports your thesis with relevant examples, portrays your aspirations and personality, maintains coherent organization with a compelling opening and conclusion, employs transitions effectively, follows a consistent citation format, and presents a formal style with a confident tone.

In proofreading, zoom in on details and accuracy. Verify grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format correctness, and ensure adherence to the nursing program’s requirements like word count and style guidelines.

Utilize tools and techniques like reading aloud, spell checkers, grammar checkers, style guides, dictionaries, thesauruses, peer reviews, professional services, and checklists fora thorough revision. Revise multiple times until your essay reaches its best version, ready to apply for nursing school.

Example Essays and Analysis

In this informative section, we present two exemplar nursing school personal statement examples that successfully encapsulate the ideals of engaging and effective writing, as previously explored. These samples serve as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating best practices for prospective nursing students aiming to craft compelling narratives of their own experiences and goals.

It’s crucial, however, to regard these essays as models rather than templates. The uniqueness of each essay stems from the personal stories and individual journeys of the writers. As such, your essay should be a mirror reflecting your personal aspirations, experiences, and character.

Sample Nursing Application Essay 1

The essay that follows was penned by Jane Doe, a hopeful applicant to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Northeastern University. The essay addresses the prompt, “Why do you want to pursue a career in nursing?” with a compelling narrative.

At the age of 12, a car accident unfolded before me, forever altering the trajectory of my life. A woman, engulfed by flames within her vehicle, screamed for help. I dashed to the closest phone booth, dialed 911, and soon, paramedics were on the scene, waging a battle against time and flames. Their success in rescuing the woman left an indelible mark on me, sparking a determination to emulate their bravery and compassion.

My name is Jane Doe. My application to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Northeastern University is driven by a lifelong fascination with human health, a profound desire to aid those in distress, and a rich tapestry of academic and professional experiences that have groomed me for a nursing career.

My passion lies in serving those who are vulnerable, providing care and comfort in their times of need. Volunteering across various health settings and participating in community engagement initiatives have enriched my skills in empathy, communication, and teamwork.

Furthermore, an extensive academic background in biology and psychology from Boston University, coupled with practical research experiences, has laid a solid foundational knowledge critical for a nursing career.

A defining moment came when, at 12, I witnessed my aunt suffer in a harrowing car accident. The compassionate care she received from her nurses during recovery illuminated the profound impact of nursing on patient and family alike, steering me toward this noble calling.

This essay encapsulates my unwavering passion for nursing, my academic preparedness, and a deeply personal inspiration. These elements not only shape my ambitions but also epitomize the qualities and drive necessary for success in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Northeastern University. It would be an honor to contribute to and learn within this esteemed nursing community.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sample Nursing Application Essay 2

Our next essay is by John Smith, who seeks to further his nursing career through the Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of California, Los Angeles, aiming to articulate his short-term and long-term nursing goals.

My journey towards nursing began in childhood, deeply influenced by a family legacy of nursing professionals. My mother’s battle with breast cancer and the exceptional care she received highlighted the profound role nurses play both in patient recovery and as pillars of support, solidifying my resolve to join their ranks.

As John Smith, an applicant to the Master of Science in Nursing program at UCLA, I bring a robust background in nursing, having earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and garnered extensive hands-on experience in various clinical settings.

My immediate aspiration is to excel in the UCLA Master of Science in Nursing program as a step towards becoming a nurse practitioner, a role that promises both personal fulfillment and professional advancement. My vision extends to becoming a nursing educator and leader, dedicated to elevating nursing practice through teaching, research, and advocacy.

These goals reflect not only my aspirations but also my potential to contribute meaningfully to the UCLA program and the nursing profession at large. I am eager to embark on this next phase of my professional journey, guided by the exemplary faculty and peers at UCLA.

Thank you for your consideration.

Writing Techniques Demonstrated

The essays showcased here exemplify the core writing strategies discussed in prior sections. These include:

• Thoroughly addressing the essay prompt and adhering to its requirements.
• Conducting diligent research on the nursing program to tailor the essay with insightful knowledge.
• Structuring the essay coherently with a compelling introduction, a well-supported body, and a memorable conclusion.
• Infusing the narrative with unique personal insights and a clear demonstration of empathy and compassion.
• Meticulously refining the essay through thoughtful revisions and feedback to polish the final submission.

3 Typical Problems in Writing a Nursing Application Essay

Lack of focus.

When crafting a nursing application essay, one common pitfall is a lack of focus. Applicants often struggle to narrow down their ideas to a coherent narrative that effectively communicates their passion and qualifications for nursing. This can lead to an essay that feels scattered or unfocused, making it difficult for admissions committees to discern the applicant’s main message.

Too Much Information

Another issue is the tendency to include too much information. In an attempt to cover all their bases, applicants might overload their essays with too many details, from personal anecdotes to technical explanations of nursing concepts. This not only overwhelms the reader but also dilutes the impact of the most important points. Striking the right balance between being thorough and concise is key to a compelling essay.

Poor Writing Skills

Finally, poor writing skills can severely detract from an otherwise strong nursing application essay. Grammatical errors, awkward sentence structures, and improper formatting can distract from the content, making it hard for reviewers to focus on the applicant’s strengths. Investing time in proofreading and possibly seeking feedback from others can significantly improve the quality of the essay.

In this blog post, we’ve shared a detailed and actionable guide to crafting a standout nursing application essay. We’ve explored the importance of the nursing school application essay in the application process, offered tips to write an effective nursing school personal statement, and highlighted the best nursing programs’ expectations. Our advice on personal essay preparation, essay composition techniques, and steps to personalize your writing aims to help you craft a compelling nursing personal statement that articulates your desire to pursue a nursing degree.

• The significance and goals of the nursing application essay.
• Preparation steps, including comprehending the essay prompt and researching your chosen nursing school.
• Essay composition techniques, such as outlining, crafting an engaging introduction, developing a coherent body, and finishing with a memorable conclusion.
• How to inject personality into your essay by showcasing your unique traits, articulating your nursing ambitions, and demonstrating your empathy and compassion.
• Tips for refining your essay, such as soliciting feedback, and the importance of thorough editing and proofreading.
• A list of common pitfalls to avoid, like losing focus, providing excessive information, or showcasing inadequate writing skills.
• A review and analysis of two successful nursing application essays.

To clinch a spot in the best nursing programs, remember a well-written essay can serve as a winning nursing application essay. Your personal narrative takes center stage in the admissions landscape; it’s an influential piece that can sway the admission committee’s decision. With our guidelines and personal examples, we trust that writing your personal statement for nursing school will be an enriching and productive endeavor. So polish that strong essay—it’s an essential step toward your future nursing job.

Should you seek further assistance or inspiration, resources and professional services are available to help you craft a compelling nursing essay. Your application essay is a testament to your commitment to the field of nursing as you apply for nursing school. It’s crucial to apply the strength of your convictions and aspirations into the writing process, showcasing a personal narrative that resonates with the values and goals of the nursing program you’re eager to join.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Write a Good Nursing Application Essay

1. how important is a nursing application essay for those who want to be a nurse.

A good essay is crucial for individuals aspiring to become nurses. It is typically a key component of the application process for nursing programs and provides applicants with the opportunity to showcase their passion, skills, and experiences.

2. What are some tips for writing a compelling nursing application essay?

When crafting your essay, consider using essay examples as a reference. Focus on highlighting your strengths, motivations to pursue nursing , and unique qualities that make you a strong candidate. Additionally, tailor your essay to each college application to demonstrate your genuine interest.

3. Why do you need to write a compelling nursing application essay?

To make your nursing application stand out among other applicants, it is imperative to create a compelling essay that showcases your passion for the field, your relevant experiences, and the reasons applying to nursing is important to you.

4. How can you make your nursing application essay more impactful with the use of examples?

Utilizing best examples in your essay can help illustrate your points and provide concrete evidence of your qualifications and attributes. Including specific scenarios or experiences can make your essay more compelling and memorable to reviewers.

5. What should you consider when making the decision to become a nurse and including it in your essay?

When discussing your decision to become a nurse in your application essay, reflect on your personal motivations, experiences that influenced your choice, and the qualities you possess that align with the nursing profession. This can help admissions committees understand your genuine passion for nursing.

6. Why are examples of nursing personal statement important in the nursing application process?

Nursing personal statement examples serve as valuable resources for applicants to understand the structure, tone, and content expectations for their own essays. They can also provide inspiration and guidance on how to effectively convey one’s story and aspirations.

7. What specific aspects should you highlight in your nursing application essay to showcase what you bring to the table?

Focus on application materials that emphasize your unique attributes, experiences in the healthcare field, skills, and qualities that make you a strong candidate for the nursing program

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