Free Nursing Templates/Nursing Care Plan Template
Nursing Care Plan Template
Organize nursing diagnoses, goals, interventions, rationale, and evaluation in one clear, ready-to-use template.
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Use one row for each priority nursing problem — add another row or page when needed
1 Nursing DiagnosisThe patient has / is at risk for…
Problem / nursing diagnosis
Related to
PriorityHighModerateLow
Evidenced by
2 Goals / OutcomesExpected outcomes for the patient.
Patient-centered goal
Measurable outcome / criteria
Target time frame
3 Nursing InterventionsWhat the nurse will do.
1. Assessment / monitoring
2. Nursing action
3. Nursing action
Patient education
Collaboration / referral
4 RationaleWhy the intervention is necessary.
Rationale for intervention 1
Rationale for intervention 2
Rationale for intervention 3
Resources / referrals
5 EvaluationPatient’s response to interventions.
OutcomeMetPartially metNot met
Patient response
Evidence / measurement
Revision / next step
Date / time
Additional notes
Quick reminder: Diagnosis → measurable outcome → interventions → rationale → evaluation. Each part should clearly connect to the one before it.
How to Build a Strong Nursing Care Plan
A care plan is a roadmap that connects the patient’s problem to the nursing actions and the expected outcomes.
- 1Identify Nursing DiagnosisState the priority problem using an approved nursing diagnosis.
- 2Set Measurable GoalsWrite realistic outcomes that can be observed or measured.
- 3Plan InterventionsList the nursing actions you will carry out to help the patient achieve the goals.
- 4Provide RationaleExplain why each intervention is important and how it helps.
- 5Evaluate OutcomesDetermine if the goal was met, partially met, or not met.
See the Care Plan Logic in Action
Example based on the priority nursing diagnosis: Ineffective Breathing Pattern.
| Nursing Diagnosis | Goals / Expected Outcomes | Nursing Interventions | Rationale | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to excess secretions as evidenced by labored breathing, rhonchi, and cough. |
|
|
| Goal met. O2 saturation 95%. Breathing easier, less secretions noted. |
Scroll sideways to see every column →
Planning care
A care plan is a shared instruction, not a form.
Whoever picks up the patient next should be able to read the diagnosis, see the goal, and know exactly which action serves it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Goals that are not measurable or time-bound.
- Interventions that are too general or repetitive.
- Rationales that do not explain the “why”.
- Evaluation that records the task rather than the patient outcome.
- Using a format that does not match course or clinical requirements.
Next ResourceNursing Assessment FormA structured worksheet to organize patient data efficiently.View Assessment Form
Use this template to plan care that is organized, purposeful, and patient-centered.Download, print, and use it throughout your clinical learning. Always follow the care plan format required by your instructor or clinical site.
Educational resource only. Always follow your instructor, nursing program, or clinical site’s documentation requirements.