How are goals established in holistic nursing care plans?

In holistic nursing care plans, goals are established collaboratively with patients, focusing on their individual values, preferences, and unique circumstances. This approach is fundamental to holistic nursing, which recognizes the importance of treating the whole person—body, mind, spirit, and emotions—rather than just addressing symptoms or diagnoses.

When nurses work together with their patients, they create an environment of trust and empowerment, allowing patients to express their needs, desires, and what matters most to them in their care. This collaboration ensures that the goals are not only medically appropriate but also aligned with what the patient values in their life and health. This patient-centered approach enhances adherence to the care plan and promotes better health outcomes.

Establishing goals with patients draws on their lived experiences and insights, which is critical in holistic nursing. This contrasts with approaches that use standardized templates or rely solely on healthcare providers' perspectives, which may overlook individual patient needs and values. Therefore, collaboration in goal setting is essential for effective holistic care.