Standard 5: Develops a plan for nursing practice

RNs are responsible for the planning and communication of nursing practice. Agreed plans are developed in partnership. They are based on the RNs appraisal of comprehensive, relevant information, and evidence that is documented and communicated.

The registered nurse:

5.1 uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan

5.2 collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons

5.3 documents, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes

• Nursing planning requires nurses' critical thinking and decision-making skills to solve problems. It includes working closely with patients, their families, and medical teams through communication and teamwork.

5.4 plans and negotiates how practice will be evaluated and the time frame of engagement, and

5.5 coordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions.

• Since the care plan is not static but dynamic, it changes with the needs of patients, nurses need to be flexible to respond to different health needs of patients at different times.