Writing Effective Nursing Care Plans: A Practical Manual For Students And Nurses

Author: KAREN N WATSON
Publication date : August 12, 2025
Language : English
Print length : 215 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8297761827
Item Weight : 13.6 ounces
Reading age : 17 - 18 years
Dimensions : 6 x 0.49 x 9 inches
Writing Effective Nursing Care Plans: A Practical Manual for Students and Nurses is an essential guide for nursing students, educators, and practicing clinicians seeking clarity and confidence in care planning. Drawing on years of classroom and clinical teaching, Karen N. Watson presents a comprehensive, step-by-step manual grounded in evidence-based practice, regional nursing frameworks, and real-world applications.
This book demystifies the nursing process by emphasizing foundational assessment skills, critical thinking, and the accurate identification of patient needs, utilizing widely accepted frameworks such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Henderson’s Need Theory, and Watson’s SODA and ALL methods. Through practical tools, including case studies, reflection questions, and care plan templates—students and new nurses are empowered to write clear, patient-centered, and SMART nursing care plans that promote safety, autonomy, and holistic well-being.
Special attention is given to needs-based care planning approaches used in the Caribbean and similar nursing education systems, making this manual uniquely suited for students and instructors in those regions. Whether used for self-study, classroom instruction, or clinical reinforcement, this manual serves as a reliable companion in developing the critical thinking and clinical judgment necessary for effective nursing care.