In which nursing process step do nurses prioritize the needs of patients?

In the nursing process, prioritizing the needs of patients occurs during the planning phase. This step involves setting goals and determining the most important interventions based on the patient’s assessed needs and medical condition. Nurses must consider various factors, including the severity of the patient's condition, urgency of needs, and potential for complications.

During planning, the nurse organizes care in a way that addresses the most critical issues first, ensuring that the interventions are both appropriate and effective in promoting patient safety and recovery. This prioritization helps in formulating a comprehensive care plan that aligns with the overall health goals and preferences of the patient, leading to better outcomes and focused nursing actions.

In contrast, the assessment step is focused on gathering data and understanding the patient’s current health status, while the diagnosis step involves identifying specific health problems based on that data. The evaluation phase assesses the effectiveness of the care provided and determines if the goals were met, rather than prioritizing needs. Thus, the planning step is crucial for structured and prioritized patient care.