Which healthcare professional is primarily responsible for patient assessments and development of care plans?

The role of a registered nurse (RN) is crucial in patient assessments and the development of care plans within the healthcare system. RNs are trained to perform comprehensive patient assessments, which include evaluating patients’ health status, understanding their medical histories, and determining their needs based on a variety of health indicators.

After gathering this information, registered nurses work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans tailored to each patient's specific conditions and requirements. This process ensures that the patient's needs are met effectively throughout their care.

While other healthcare professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physician's assistants, also play significant roles in patient care and assessments, RNs typically handle broader nursing responsibilities and collaborate closely within the interdisciplinary team to create comprehensive care plans that address both medical and holistic patient needs. The specific training and licensure of registered nurses enable them to carry out these essential tasks in a way that supports optimal patient outcomes.