Nursing Care Plan Template
A nursing care plan uses the same columns every time. Here's the standard format, what goes in each column, and a builder that fills it in for you.
Skip the copy-pasting: the free Care Plan Builder fills this template for any condition and exports a clean PDF or Word file.
The standard care plan columns
| Column | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Collect subjective (what the patient reports) and objective (measurable) data — vitals, labs, exam findings. |
| Nursing diagnosis | State the problem, its related factor ("related to"), and the evidence ("as evidenced by"). |
| Goals / outcomes | Write SMART, patient-centered goals with a timeframe. |
| Interventions | List nursing actions — each with a rationale explaining why it helps. |
| Evaluation | Define how you'll know the goal was met, and reassess. |
| Rationale | The evidence-based reason each intervention works — the part instructors always want. |
Blank template you can copy
Care plan template: FAQ
What columns are in a nursing care plan template?
The standard columns are: Assessment, Nursing Diagnosis, Goals/Outcomes, Interventions, Rationale, and Evaluation. Some schools combine or reorder these — the builder can match your school's format.
Is there a free nursing care plan template?
Yes — the format below is free to use, and our builder fills it in for any condition and exports a clean PDF or Word file.
What format do nursing schools want?
Most schools use a columnar (table) format so each diagnosis lines up with its goals, interventions, rationale, and evaluation. Always follow your specific instructor's rubric.