planning [L, planum] , (in five-step nursing process) a category of nursing behavior in which a strategy is designed to achieve the goals of care for an individual patient, as established in assessing and analyzing. Planning includes developing and modifying a care plan for the patient, collaborating with other personnel, and recording relevant information. To develop the plan the nurse anticipates the patient’s needs according to established priorities; involves the patient and the patient’s family and significant others in designing the plan; uses all information necessary for managing the patient’s care, including recorded information from other health professionals and the age, sex, culture, ethnicity, and religion; plans for the patient’s comfort, activity, and function; and chooses nursing measures that are necessary to deliver care as planned. With the cooperation of other health personnel, the nurse coordinates care for the benefit of the patient and identifies resources in the health care facility or community for social or health assistance as needed by the client or the patient’s family. All information relevant to the management of the patient’s care plan is recorded. Planning follows analyzing and precedes implementing in the five-step nursing process. See also analyzing, assessing, evaluating, implementing, nursing process.
