Planning Nursing Services Vision, Mission, Philosophy and Objectives By B Sandhya Rani
Vision in Nursing Services Definition Forward-looking statement describing long-term aspirations. Purposes Offer guidance and direction. Inspire and motivate staff. Align nursing activities towards shared goals. Characteristics Focused on the Future. Motivational and Uplifting. Simple and Clear. Aligned with Organization’s Mission. Rooted in Core Values (empathy, integrity, excellence). Supports Strategic Initiatives. Ambitious yet Realistic. Collaborative and Inclusive.
Mission in Nursing Services Definition Defines core purpose and commitment of nursing department . It answer fundamental questions such as what does nursing services do ? Whom does it serve ? How is care delivered? Purposes Define role of nursing service. Guide daily practices and decisions. Communicate values and services provided. Characteristics Explains purpose and role of nurses in patient care. Focuses on high-quality, compassionate, patient-centered care. Reflects professionalism, empathy, respect, and ethics. Serves as a guide for daily activities. Promotes teamwork and adaptability.
Philosophy of Nursing Services Definition Reflects core beliefs, values, and ethical principles of nursing. Purposes Expresses beliefs and values guiding nursing care. Helps nurses understand their roles in health promotion, illness prevention, and care. Provides moral and professional compass for decision-making. Guides professional behavior and interactions . Encourages continuous learning and professions growth both individually and within the organization.
Objectives of Nursing Services Definition Specific, measurable steps guiding nursing department to achieve goals. Purposes Translate mission into measurable actions. Monitor progress and assess performance. Prioritize activities and guide decisions .
SMART Criteria Specific – What needs to be done. Measurable – Track progress. Achievable – Within reach. Realistic – Considers resources. Time-bound – Clear timeframe. Types of Objectives Short-term: Immediate, achievable in days to months. Long-term: Broad goals, requiring years and systemic change.
Types of Objectives
Vision, Mission, Philosophy and Objectives
Nursing Service-Policy, Procedures and Manuals
Nursing Service - POLICIES “ Policies are formal statement that guide decision making and behavior in specific situations ” - KOZIER ET AL Objectives of Nursing policies Standardization of Practices ( Consistent guidelines) Ethical and legal compliance Enhancement of patient safety (reduce risk) Guidance in decision Making (framework clinical judgement and administrative choices) Promotion of Efficiency (improve coordination, reduce ambiguity)
Nursing Service - POLICIES Importance of nursing policies Serve as backbone of organized and safe healthcare delivery. Uniformity in care, Reduce Variability in practice and support legal compliance Components of Nursing policy: Purpose * Responsibility Scope * Reference Definition Policy statement
Nursing Service - POLICIES Advantages: Uniformity in service care Faster and Autonomous decision making Effective delegation of responsibilities Align nurse action to boarder organization goals Types of Nursing Policies Patient Care Policies (direct interaction and treatment) Personal Policies (related to staff roles, rights, responsibilities) Environmental policies ( safe environment of patient and staff) Interdepartmental Policies (Communication, collaboration and workflow among departments ) EXAMPLES OF COMMON NURSING POLICIES Pain Management, Infection Control, Medication Administration, Documentation etc
Nursing - Procedures Specific steps and actions taken by nursing staff to accomplishing some task/activity “ A nursing procedure is a set of established actions carried out in a specific sequence to achieve a desired outcome in patient care “ - POTTER & PERRY Purpose of Nursing Procedure Provide clear instruction to deliver quality care Ensure patient safety and reduce complications Improve efficiency & accuracy in complex/routine task Enable training and evaluation of new/old staff Support evidence based practice and reduce variability
Nursing - Procedures Importance in Nursing Practice : Translate policy into action- ensure each task carried systemically, safely and consistently. Components of Nursing Procedures Title * Documentation Guidelines Purpose * References Equipment's/Articles needed Pre-procedure steps Procedure Post-procedure steps Precautions and Rationale
Nursing - Procedures Types of Nursing Procedures Clinical Procedures – Patient related (wound dressing, Catheter insertion) Administrative Procedures – Nursing operations (Handover protocol) Ethical and Legal Procedures – Incident reporting, Confidentiality Policies and Procedures are usually Developed by - Nurse Administrators, Quality assurance team, Policy and Procedure Committees Approved by – Internal review by nursing leadership, Institutional approval by hospital Management, External validation (if necessary) by regulatory authority Implementation in Nursing practice – Orientation, Physical Copies
Nursing - Procedures Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating Importance of Regular Review Maintain relevance and compliance to updated guidelines Revision Documentation Updated document must include version number, Date of revision and Approval authority Benefits of Well Defined policies and procedures Promote Standardized care Minimize clinical errors and risks Offer legal protection for health care providers Enhance accountability and transperncy Training tools and continuing education
Nursing- Manuals “ A manual is a compiled document that contains systemically arranged nursing policies and procedures for easy reference by nursing personnel .” - BASAVANTHAPPA Purpose of nursing manual Guiding document for clinical and administrative practice Helps in orientation and training staff Standard operating procedure to be followed Quick reference tool for routine / emergency care
Nursing- Manuals Components of nursing manual Table of contents Categorized Sections Index Revision Dates Version Control – Version no. and approval signatures Implementation in nursing practice Nursing manuals are used during staff orientation, continuting education and Quality assurance audits Available in both printed and digital form
Nursing- Manuals Monitoring, Evaluation and Updating Must be regularly reviewed and updated based on latest guidelines, laws and technology Update must include : Version number, date of revision and Authority approving changes Benefits of Nursing Manual Encourage standardized, evidence based practice Minimize errors and promote clinical safety Enhance transparency and accountability Serve as learning tool for both new and experienced staff
Nursing policy, procedure and manual Role of nurses in policy making Comply with existing policy – must follow current policy Contribute to Policy development – suggestions Participate in policy review – feedback & new methods Advocate for Practical policies – Realistic and patient Centered Role of Nursed in Procedure Development Follow Approved procedure – adhere to mentioned procedure Identify gaps and Suggest improvements Participate in pilot testing – Before new procedure launch Help in Procedure Testing
Nursing policy, procedure and manual Role of Nurses in Manual Preparation & Usage Assist in Manual Compilation Review and Update Manuals Educate others Promote Manual Use
Objectives of Functional Planning in Nursing Services • Define clear roles and responsibilities of nursing staff. • Improve coordination among nursing staff and healthcare team. • Ensure optimal use of resources such as staff, materials, and equipment. • Maintain continuity and quality in nursing care services. • Prevent confusion, duplication, or omission of tasks. • Enhance efficiency, productivity, and staff satisfaction.
Principles of Effective Functional Planning in Nursing Services • Right Person for the Right Job. • Patient-Centered Care. • Flexibility in planning. • Time Management to minimize delays. • Effective Communication among staff. • Teamwork and Collaboration.
Importance of Functional Planning in Nursing Services • Reduces workload stress and burnout among staff. • Ensures timely, organized, and safe patient care. • Enhances job satisfaction and professional growth. • Supports better hospital management. • Promotes effective use of resources. • Improves quality and safety of healthcare services.
Key Areas of Functional Planning in Nursing Services 1. Staffing Plan 2. Task Allocation 3. Work Scheduling 4. Resource Management 5. Patient Assignment 6. Coordination with Other Departments 7. Emergency and Contingency Planning
Objectives of Operational Planning in Nursing Services • Break down strategic goals into actionable tasks. • Provide clear direction on roles and responsibilities. • Ensure efficient use of time, staff, and resources. • Establish timelines and performance standards. • Coordinate nursing functions with hospital objectives.
Principles of Operational Planning in Nursing Services • Goal-Oriented: Align with organizational vision and strategy. • Realistic and Achievable: Plans must consider available resources. • Participatory: Input from all levels of nursing staff. • Time-Bound: Clear deadlines and schedules. • Flexible: Adapt to changing needs. • Monitorable: Include mechanisms for evaluation.
Importance of Operational Planning in Nursing Services • Improves teamwork and coordination. • Reduces wastage of time and resources. • Facilitates performance monitoring and accountability. • Prepares staff for emergencies and challenges. • Strengthens communication between staff and management. • Improves overall quality of patient care.
Key Areas of Operational Planning in Nursing Services 1. Setting Clear Objectives 2. Activity Planning 3. Quality Standards 4. Outcome Specification 5. Resource and Staffing Plans 6. Implementation Timetable 7. Monitoring and Evaluation
Strategic Planning in Nursing Services • Structured, disciplined, and continuous process • Guides organizations in setting long-term goals • Considers internal dynamics and external influences • Ensures effective resource allocation and service improvement
Concept of Strategic Planning • Strategy = achieving specific organizational goals in a given environment • Future-focused activity shaping healthcare outcomes • Involves collaboration, analysis, and innovation • Determines what, why, and how goals will be achieved
Objectives of Strategic Planning in Nursing Services • Utilize limited resources effectively • Enable systematic evaluation and improvement • Encourage evidence-based nursing practices • Foster shared goals across all levels • Facilitate administrative and organizational changes
Principles of Strategic Planning in Nursing Services • Plans must enhance nursing practice • Grounded in mission and vision • Involves key stakeholders (nurses, managers, administrators, patients) • Commitment to serve society • Must adapt to healthcare trends and policies • Based on accurate and reliable data • Encourages questioning and innovation
Importance of Strategic Planning in Nursing Services • Provides performance monitoring framework • Helps align nursing services with institutional goals • Enhances communication and accountability • Guides future actions for growth and sustainability • Improves patient outcomes and care quality
Key Areas of Strategic Planning in Nursing Services • Mission and Vision Development • Resource Allocation • Human Resource Management • Quality Improvement Initiatives • Patient-Centered Care Strategies • Innovation and Technology Adoption • Budget Planning
Steps in Strategic Planning 1. Getting Ready: Identify issues, clarify roles, form committee 2. Articulating Mission and Vision 3. Assessing the Situation: SWOT, evaluations, stakeholder input 4. Developing Strategies, Goals, and Objectives 5. Completing the Written Plan: Approval and implementation
SWOT Analysis • Strategic planning tool to examine internal and external environments • Identifies Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats • Helps develop effective strategies for improvement • Supports evidence-based decisions and patient care quality
SWOT Analysis Table Component Example in Nursing Services Strengths Experienced staff, infection control protocols Weaknesses Staff shortage, lack of training, outdated equipment Opportunities Government grants, telehealth introduction Threats Competition, policy changes, workload
Importance of SWOT Analysis in Nursing Services • Helps set achievable goals and priorities • Promotes evidence-based practice • Recognizes internal weaknesses and external threats • Enhances quality of patient care • Guides future planning and decision-making
Benefits of SWOT Analysis in Nursing Services • Identify strengths • Address weaknesses • Explore opportunities • Recognize threats • Enhance strategic planning • Support professional development • Promote evidence-based practice
How Nurses Can Use SWOT Analysis • Conduct SWOT annually or during planning cycles • Involve nurses, supervisors, and healthcare team • Use findings to update strategic and operational plans • Monitor changes and adjust strategies as needed • Improve service delivery and patient outcomes
Project Planning – Gantt Chart and Milestone Chart Gantt Chart ( Harmonogram/Activity Plan Chart) Visual tool for task timelines and relationship Task on left side and time line across the top Horizontal bar for time duration
Gantt Chart “ A G antt chart is a graphical representation of the duration of task against the progression of time. It is a useful tool for planning and scheduling projects, allowing for easy tracking of project progress . “ - HAROLD KERZNER History of Gantt Chart -Originally Harmonogram – Scheduling tool – by KAROL ADAMIECKI Polish engineer – in 1986 Advanced version 1900s by HENRY GANTT – American engineer – to measure employee productivity in factories. Later became popular worldwide as management tool for various tasks