Nursing model encourages care planning

After examining the pitfalls of nursing care plans done in a medical model format, a system based entirely on the nursing model was developed in a 500-bed acute care hospital. By centering the format, the structure, and the education around the patient problems treated by nurses, the nurses in this hospital began to do care plans for the purpose of improving patient care rather than for compliance with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' regulations. The system has led to more knowledgeable nurses and a more autonomous and rewarding practice setting.