What is the first step in the nursing process?

The first step in the nursing process is assessment. This phase involves the systematic collection of data about the patient, which is crucial for understanding their health status, needs, and challenges. During assessment, nurses gather both subjective information—such as the patient's reported symptoms and feelings—and objective data, such as vital signs and laboratory results. This comprehensive data collection sets the foundation for all subsequent steps in the nursing process, including diagnosis, planning, and implementation.

Effective assessment enables nurses to identify actual or potential health problems, facilitating accurate diagnosis and tailored care plans that address the individual needs of the patient. Without a thorough assessment, the subsequent phases would lack the necessary context and information, leading to ineffective or inappropriate interventions. Therefore, the assessment step is essential for ensuring that all aspects of patient care are based on sound evidence and individual patient circumstances.