Planning

o Planning may be defined as deciding in advance what

to do; who is to do it; and how, when, and where it is
to be done.
o Therefore, all planning involves choosing among
alternatives.
o This implies that planning is a proactive and
deliberate process that reduces risk and uncertainty.
o It also encourages unity of goals and continuity of
energy expenditure (human and fiscal resources) and
directs attention to the objectives of the organization.
o Planning must be purposeful and proactive.
o Mental process of decision making and forecasting.
o Future-oriented and ensures desirable probable
outcomes.
o In Nursing, it helps to ensure that clients or patients
will receive the nursing services they want and need
and that these services are delivered by satisfied
nursing workers.

Mission
o Identifying the reason an organization exists. Also,
the constituency and addresses its position regarding
ethics, principles, and standards of practice.
o The mission statement is of highest priority in the
planning hierarchy because it influences the
development of an organizations philosophy, goals,
objectives, policies, procedures, and rules.
Example of a Mission Statement
Mercy Hospital is a tertiary care facility that provides
comprehensive, holistic care to all state residents who
seek treatment. The purpose of Mercy Hospital is to
combine high-quality, holistic health care with the
provision of learning opportunities for students in
medicine, nursing, and allied health sciences. Research

is encouraged to identify new treatment regimens and

to promote high-quality health care for generations to
come.

Vision
o An image of the future the organization seeks to
create; it is not an abstract tool, but a practical tool
offering goals to be accomplished in terms that can
ultimately be assessed. It is a mental prediction of
the fulfillment of the organizations success.
o Vision statements are used to describe future goals
or aims of an organization.
o It is a description in words that conjures up a picture
for all group members of what they want to
accomplish together.
Example of a Vision Statement
Mercy hospital will be the leading center for trauma
care in the region.

Philosophy Statement
o A written statement of philosophy set out values,
concepts, and beliefs that pertain to nursing
administration and nursing practice within the
organization. It verbalizes both the nurse managers
and nurse practitioners regarding what they believe
nursing management and practice to be. It states
their beliefs as to how the mission or purpose will be
achieved, giving direction toward this end.
o Statements of philosophy are abstract and contain
value statements about human beings as clients or
patients and as workers, about work that will be
performed by nursing workers for clients or patients,
about education as it pertains to competence of

nursing workers, and about the setting or community

in which nursing services are provided.
o It is the basic foundation that directs all further
planning toward that mission.
o Can usually be found in Policy Manuals at the
institution or is available on request.
o Provides the basis for developing nursing
philosophies at the unit level and for nursing service
as a whole.
Example of a Philosophy Statement
We believe that:
- The Metropolitan Medical Center is a center of
excellence in care delivery, in educational opportunity,
and in the development of research.
- We believe that we are the leaders in health care in
our community; that health care entails prevention and
wellness in addition to treatment of illness and injury.
- We will provide each patient with dignity, provide
privacy and confidentiality, and permit the right to
make choices in health care based on factual
information provided by the medical/nursing staff.

Values
o Concepts of perceived worth or importance.
o Values bond people and set behavioral standards.
o Agreement on values provides a mechanism for
built-in quality; adherence to values makes
organizations successful.
o They give meaning to the right way to do things.
Examples of Values
Informality
Creativity

Honesty
Quality
Courtesy
Caring

Elements of Planning
1. Mission or Purpose
Good mission statements express the organizations
vision and values, evoking passion in the employees.
Good mission statements delineate the organizations
uniqueness.
Effective nurse leaders make sure that employees see,
feel, and think the mission by following it themselves.
2. Philosophy
States their beliefs as to how the mission or purpose
will be achieved, giving direction toward this end.
3. Goals
Desired result toward which effort is directed.
It is the aim of the philosophy.
Measurable and ambitious but realistic.
Goals should clearly delineate the desired end
product.
When goals are not clear, simple misunderstandings
may compound and communication may breakdown.
4. Objectives
Specific statements of goals to be accomplished.
They are action commitments through which the key
elements of the mission will be achieved and the
philosophy or beliefs sustained.
Must be meaningful, relevant, and functional.
Concrete statements that become the standard
against which performance can be measured.
5. Operational Plan
Blueprints by which the purpose, philosophy, and
objectives are put into measurable actions.

 Include decision-making and problem-solving

processes that include strategies, policies, and
procedures.
Example of a Goal and Objectives
Goal: All RNs will be proficient in the administration of
intravenous fluids.
All RNs will complete Mercy Hospitals course IV Therapy
Certification within 1 month of beginning employment.
RNs who score less than 90% on a comprehensive
examination in IV Therapy Certification must attend the
remedial 4-hour course Review of Basic IV Principles not
more than 2 weeks after the completion of IV Therapy
Certification
RNs who achieve a score of 90% or better on the
comprehensive examination for IV Therapy Certification
after completing the Review of Basic IV Principles will be
allowed to perform IV therapy on patients. The unit
manager will establish individualized plans of remediation
for employees who fail to achieve this score on the
examination.

Importance of Successful Planning

It leads to success in the achievements of goals and

objectives.
It provides meaning to work.
It provides for the effective use of available personnel
and facilities.
It helps nurses cope with crises and problems, calmly and
efficiently.
It is cost effective.
It is based on past and future activities.
It reduces the element of change.
It is necessary for effective control.

References:
Bessie L. Marquis and Carol J. Huston. Leadership and
Management Tools for the New Nurse. Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins.
Linda Roussel, Russel C. Swansburg and Richard J. Swansburg.
Management and Leadership for Nurse Administrators 4 th
Edition. Jones and Barlett
Bessie L. Marquis and Carol J. Huston. Leadership Roles and
Management Functions in Nursing Theory and Application 5 th
Edition. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Objectives:
After 3 hours of varied classroom discussion, the students will
be able to:
1. define planning
2. enumerate the elements of planning
3. discuss the importance of successful planning.