Introduction

As a result of changes in its scientific guiding methodology, the nursing process has evolved into its third generation. Its implementation in five stages (assessment, diagnosis, planning, execution, and evaluation) is based on the best scientific evidence in agreement with the discipline-internationally-recognized nursing taxonomies of the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International , the Nursing Outcomes Classification , and the Nursing Interventions Classification .

Development

The third generation nursing process carefully focuses on the benefits of the actual, expected and achieved care outcomes, rather than conducting diagnostics and problem-solving tasks which characterize the first and second generation nursing processes.

Conclusion

While the approach is gradually emerging in institutions of health and education in Mexico, the third generation nursing process requires a careful use of cognitive and critical thinking skills.