Author: Glossary
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Nursing goal
A specific expected outcome of nursing intervention as related to the established nursing diagnosis. A goal is stated in terms of a desired, measurable change in patient status or behavior. Nursing goals provide direction for selection of appropriate nursing interventions and evaluation of patient progress.
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Nursing dose
The number of nurses in the work force divided by the population of the community at large.
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Geriatric nurse assistant
An unlicensed caregiver who provides basic care needs, such as bathing and feeding, to residents in nursing homes or other health care facilities. According to federal regulations, GNAs must successfully complete at least a prescribed training course and register in the state in which they are practicing. Geriatric nursing assistants are a specially trained class…
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Nursing assessment
The systematic collection of all data and information relevant to the care of patients, their problems, and needs. The initial step of the assessment consists of obtaining a careful and complete history from the patient. If this cannot be done because the mental or physical condition of the patient makes communication impossible, the nursing history…
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Holistic nursing
The art and science of caring for and nurturing the whole person.
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Geriatric nursing
The branch of nursing concerned with the care of the aged, including promotion of healthy aging, as well as prevention, assesssment, and management of physiological, pathological, psychological, economic, and sociological problems.
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Forensic nursing
A subspecialty of nursing in which nurses participate in sexual assault examinations and other legal affairs affecting mental, occupational, and public health.
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Director of nursing
The nursing manager or chief executive officer.
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Advanced practice nursing
Primary medical care provided by nurses who have been prepared as practitioners and are competent to provide that level of care. These practitioners may act independently or under the supervision of a physician.
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Nurse-to-patient ratio
The number of nurses assigned to care for a patient, especially in a hospital. Low nurse-to-patient ratios have been associated with a decrease in the quality of hospital care and an increase in complications in care.