(2) Safely performing or supervising nursing care in the form of therapeutic
and preventive procedures that have been specifically planned for each individual
patient.
(3) Observing the patient and reporting significant findings to the health care
team members as appropriate.
(4) Contributing to the development and reinforcement of health care
teaching plans for patients and their family members.
(5) Maintaining current knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to
provide quality care.
b. Providing appropriate nursing care to the patient is not the end of the M6
practical nurse's responsibility. The care being given must continually be evaluated for
effectiveness.
3-5.
EVALUATION
a. It is necessary to determine whether the care provided is appropriate and
effective. Are the long- and short-term goals being achieved? What is the patient's
physiological and psychological status now, in comparison to earlier? Would some
other course of action be more beneficial or more significant? The nursing care plan
must be continually evaluated and updated in response to the changes in the patient. If
not, something significant may be overlooked and the course of recovery for the patient
may be delayed. The practical nurse coordinates with and assists the professional
nursing staff in the evaluation of nursing care by:
(1) Contributing to the identification of the strengths and weaknesses in the
plan of nursing care.
(2) Communicating with the patient and his family to maintain awareness of
the patient's feelings and condition.
(3) Observing the patient and documenting the information obtained through
observation and communication.
(4) Seeking assistance in improving his own personal weaknesses if any are
identified in the course of patient care.
b. As the nursing plan of care is evaluated, it will become necessary to
periodically reassess the patient's needs and formulate a new plan to be implemented.
This four step method of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating is a circular
process of continued nursing care (see figure 3-1). This process can be utilized for
developing all types of nursing care. This circular process is illustrated in the following
situation.
MD0910
3-4