The nursing process is a systematic approach to patient care that is central to the practice of nursing. In NR 200 at Chamberlain College of Nursing, the implementation phase of the nursing process is given significant emphasis, as it involves putting the care plan into action and directly impacting patient outcomes. This phase is where the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom meets the practical demands of patient care, making it a crucial component of NR 200.
In the implementation phase, nursing students learn how to execute the interventions planned during the earlier stages of the nursing process—assessment, diagnosis, and planning. This involves a wide range of activities, from administering medications and providing wound care to educating patients and their families about managing chronic conditions. For example, in a patient with diabetes, the nurse might implement a care plan that includes regular blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, and dietary counseling. The goal is to maintain blood sugar levels within a target range and prevent complications such as hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
Communication and collaboration are also key aspects of the implementation phase covered in NR 200. Nurses often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, which may include physicians, physical therapists, dietitians, and social workers. Effective communication with these team members is essential for ensuring that all aspects of a patient’s care are addressed. For instance, when implementing a rehabilitation plan for a stroke patient, the nurse might coordinate with a physical therapist to ensure that the patient receives appropriate exercises to improve mobility and prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis.
Another critical area of focus in this phase is patient education. Educating patients about their conditions, treatments, and lifestyle modifications is a fundamental part of nursing care. NR 200 teaches students how to tailor education to each patient’s needs, taking into account factors such as literacy levels, cultural background, and readiness to learn. For example, when caring for a patient with hypertension, the nurse might educate the patient about the importance of medication adherence, dietary changes, and regular exercise to control blood pressure.
Documentation is another crucial element of the implementation phase. Accurate and thorough documentation ensures that there is a clear record of the care provided, which is essential for continuity of care and legal accountability. NR 200 emphasizes the importance of documenting all interventions and patient responses in a timely manner. For example, if a nurse administers a pain medication, they must document the type of medication, dosage, time of administration, and the patient’s pain level before and after the medication is given.
Ethical considerations are also integrated into the implementation phase. Students learn about the importance of obtaining informed consent, respecting patient autonomy, and providing care that aligns with ethical principles such as beneficence and non-maleficence. For instance, when implementing a palliative care plan for a terminally ill patient, the nurse must ensure that the patient’s wishes are respected and that care is provided in a way that promotes comfort and dignity.
In conclusion, the nursing process implementation component of NR 200 equips students with the practical skills needed to carry out nursing interventions effectively and ethically. This phase of the nursing process is where students put their knowledge into practice, making it a critical part of their development as competent and compassionate nurse