Care Settings

Nursing care is delivered across a wide range of practice environments, each with its own regulatory framework, patient population, and scope of responsibility. From acute hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to home health, schools, clinics, and community programs, every care setting shapes how nurses assess, plan, and coordinate patient-centered care. Understanding these settings helps clinicians match interventions to the resources, governance, and goals unique to each environment.

Individual Care Settings

Adult Day Care

(ADC)

A structured, community-based facility providing daytime care for adults, typically seniors or those with disabilities. It offers a safe, engaging environment with activities like social events, exercise, crafts, and cognitive games to promote mental and physical well-being. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided, along with personal care assistance, medication management, and health monitoring. Staffed by trained professionals, it ensures safety and support while fostering social interaction. The setting is designed to be welcoming and accessible, allowing caregivers respite while participants maintain independence and quality of life.

General Description: Structured daytime programs offering social, recreational, and health support for seniors and adults with disabilities, providing caregiver respite while promoting participant well-being.

Key Components

Governance

Regulated by state adult day services licensing and CMS guidelines for adult day health programs.

General Responsibilities

Health monitoring, medication assistance, activity facilitation, nutrition oversight, and coordination with families and providers.

Total scope ensures comprehensive daytime support and caregiver respite.

Who It Serves

Older adults with mild-to-moderate cognitive or physical limitations, individuals living with dementia, diabetes, stroke recovery, or other chronic conditions who benefit from daytime supervision and socialization while remaining in the community.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Social engagement and meaningful activities to combat isolation
Medication management and health monitoring (including rtCGM for diabetes)
Nutrition, therapeutic diets, and ADL/IADL support
Fall prevention, transportation safety, and caregiver respite
Person-centered care planning with family involvement

Regulatory & Operational Notes

State licensing requirements vary widely. Many centers participate in Medicaid waiver programs or accept private pay. Strong emphasis on quality measures and participant outcomes.

Careplans.com Support

Ready to streamline documentation and care planning for your Adult Day Care center? Our templates, assessments, and EHR tools help reduce paperwork while improving compliance and participant outcomes.

Adult Family Home

(AFH)

A small, state-licensed residential home (typically serving up to about six residents) that provides room, board, personal care, and routine health monitoring in a family-style setting for elderly or disabled adults who need assistance with daily activities.

General Description: Small licensed residential homes providing personal care, meals, and health monitoring for up to six elderly or disabled adults in a family-like setting.

Key Components

Governance

State adult family home licensing regulations.

General Responsibilities

Daily care assistance, medication supervision, health monitoring, and coordination with community resources.

Total scope offers personalized residential support.

Who It Serves

Elderly adults and individuals with disabilities who need 24/7 support but prefer a small, home-like environment rather than large facilities.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Personalized daily routines and ADL assistance
Medication management and chronic condition monitoring
Nutrition and meal planning tailored to individual needs
Social engagement and family communication

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Strict state staffing ratios, background checks, and regular inspections. Emphasis on resident rights and dignity in a home-like setting.

Careplans.com Support

Our care planning tools help Adult Family Homes maintain compliance and deliver high-quality, individualized care efficiently.

Ambulatory Surgery Center

(ASC)

Nurses assist with pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing same-day surgical procedures.

General Description: Nurses provide pre-, intra-, and post-operative care for patients undergoing same-day surgical procedures in outpatient settings.

Key Components

Governance

Adheres to AAAHC and Joint Commission standards for ambulatory surgery.

General Responsibilities

Patient assessment, sedation monitoring, recovery care, discharge education, and complication prevention.

Total scope ensures safe same-day surgical outcomes.

Who It Serves

Patients undergoing outpatient surgical procedures who are healthy enough for same-day discharge.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Pre-operative assessment and education
Intra-operative monitoring and safety
Post-operative pain management and recovery
Discharge planning and complication prevention

Regulatory & Operational Notes

High focus on infection control, patient safety, and rapid turnover while meeting accreditation standards.

Careplans.com Support

Streamline pre- and post-op care planning with our templates designed specifically for ambulatory surgery settings.

Camp Health Services

(CAMP)

Health office at residential or day camps where nurses manage acute illness and injury, chronic condition support (e.g., asthma, allergies, diabetes), and medication administration for campers and staff.

General Description: Health services at camps managing camper and staff medical needs including illness, injury, and chronic condition support.

Key Components

Governance

American Camp Association health standards and state camp regulations.

General Responsibilities

Daily sick calls, medication administration, injury care, and health education.

Total scope ensures safe camp experiences.

Who It Serves

Campers and staff of all ages participating in summer camps, adventure programs, or specialized camps.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Chronic condition management (asthma, diabetes, allergies)
Injury prevention and first aid
Medication administration and documentation
Health education and emergency preparedness

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Focus on rapid response, documentation, and coordination with parents and emergency services.

Careplans.com Support

Our tools help camp health staff maintain accurate records and care plans even in remote settings.

Case Management

(CM)

An organization that is responsible for providing case management services. The agency provides services which assist an individual in gaining access to needed medical, social, educational, and/or other services. Case management services may be used to locate, coordinate, and monitor necessary appropriate services. It may be used to encourage the use of cost-effective medical care by referrals to appropriate providers and to discourage over utilization of costly services. Case management may also serve to provide necessary coordination of non-medical services such as vocational rehabilitation, education, employment, when the services provided enable the individual to function at the highest level.

General Description: Organizations providing case management coordinate medical, social, and support services to help individuals access needed resources efficiently and achieve optimal functioning.

Key Components

Governance

Follows CMS and URAC case management standards with emphasis on ethical practice and outcome measurement.

General Responsibilities

Assessment, care planning, resource coordination, monitoring, and advocacy to reduce fragmentation and improve outcomes.

Total scope optimizes resource utilization and patient outcomes.

Who It Serves

Individuals with complex medical, behavioral, or social needs across various care settings.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Comprehensive needs assessment
Interdisciplinary care coordination
Resource linkage and advocacy
Outcome tracking and care transitions

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Emphasis on ethical practice, cost-effectiveness, and measurable patient outcomes.

Careplans.com Support

Enhance case management efficiency with our integrated care planning and documentation platform.

Clinic/Outpatient Center

(CLINIC)

Nurses assist in settings like primary care offices, specialty clinics (e.g., cardiology, oncology), or urgent care centers, focusing on preventive care, routine checkups, or minor procedures.

General Description: Nurses assist in primary care offices, specialty clinics, and urgent care centers, delivering preventive care, routine checkups, chronic disease management, and minor procedures in ambulatory settings.

Key Components

Governance

Governed by state nurse practice acts, clinic policies, AAAHC or Joint Commission accreditation, and evidence-based clinical guidelines. Collaborative agreements with providers emphasize efficient, patient-centered ambulatory care.

General Responsibilities

Patient assessment, education, chronic disease management, minor procedures, and coordination of care.

Who It Serves

Patients seeking preventive care, chronic disease management, or urgent non-emergency treatment in outpatient settings.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Chronic disease management and education
Preventive screenings and immunizations
Patient self-management support
Care coordination with specialists

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Focus on efficient throughput, patient satisfaction, and quality metrics.

Careplans.com Support

Our tools help clinic nurses deliver efficient, high-quality care planning and documentation.

Community Health Center

(COMM)

Nurses work in public health environments, serving underserved populations with preventive care, vaccinations, and health education.

General Description: Nurses deliver preventive care, vaccinations, health education, and services to underserved populations in public health settings to improve community wellness.

Key Components

Governance

Guided by HRSA standards, state public health laws, CDC guidelines, and population health frameworks.

General Responsibilities

Immunizations, health screenings, disease surveillance, education programs, case management, and outreach to reduce health disparities and promote community health.

Total scope improves community wellness and health equity.

Who It Serves

Underserved and vulnerable populations in community settings.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Population health and disease prevention
Health education and outreach
Chronic disease management programs
Community partnerships

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Strong emphasis on health equity and measurable community outcomes.

Careplans.com Support

Support community health initiatives with scalable care planning tools.

Correctional Facility

(CORR)

Nurses deliver healthcare to inmates in prisons or jails, addressing acute and chronic conditions in a controlled environment.

General Description: Nurses provide healthcare to incarcerated individuals, managing acute and chronic conditions within secure correctional environments.

Key Components

Governance

Adheres to NCCHC standards, state correctional health regulations, and constitutional requirements for inmate healthcare.

General Responsibilities

Intake screenings, chronic disease management, emergency response, medication administration, and coordination with security while maintaining professional boundaries.

Total scope delivers essential healthcare in a secure environment.

Who It Serves

Incarcerated individuals with acute, chronic, or mental health needs.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Intake and ongoing health assessments
Chronic disease and mental health management
Medication compliance and security protocols
Discharge/re-entry planning

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Balance between healthcare delivery and facility security requirements.

Careplans.com Support

Our platform helps correctional health teams maintain compliant, thorough documentation.

Dialysis Center

(DIAL)

Outpatient facility where nurses and technicians administer hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis for patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, including vascular access monitoring and fluid management.

General Description: Outpatient facilities where nurses manage hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis for patients with kidney disease, including vascular access care and fluid balance.

Key Components

Governance

CMS Conditions for Coverage and ESRD Network requirements.

General Responsibilities

Dialysis treatment administration, complication monitoring, patient education, and vascular access management.

Total scope supports renal replacement therapy.

Who It Serves

Patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Vascular access maintenance
Fluid and electrolyte management
Dialysis complication prevention
Patient education and self-care

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Strict CMS quality and safety standards with regular reporting.

Careplans.com Support

Specialized templates for dialysis care planning and documentation.

Disaster / Emergency Response

(DISASTER)

Field-based care during disasters, mass-casualty incidents, or public health emergencies, including triage, shelter health services, and deployment with response teams.

General Description: Field-based nursing during disasters and emergencies including triage, shelter care, and response team deployment.

Key Components

Governance

ICS, FEMA, and state emergency management frameworks.

General Responsibilities

Triage, mass casualty care, shelter health services, and coordination with response agencies.

Total scope provides critical care in crisis situations.

Who It Serves

Disaster victims and affected communities during emergencies.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Rapid triage and stabilization
Shelter health and disease prevention
Chronic condition management in crisis
Psychological first aid

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Emphasis on incident command system and inter-agency coordination.

Careplans.com Support

Quick-deploy care planning tools for emergency response teams.

Group Home / Residential Care

(GROUPHOME)

Community residence supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or chronic conditions, where nurses oversee medication administration, health monitoring, and coordination of daily care.

General Description: Community residences supporting individuals with disabilities through supervised daily care and health monitoring.

Key Components

Governance

State residential care licensing standards.

General Responsibilities

Medication oversight, health monitoring, and coordination of community services.

Total scope promotes community living.

Who It Serves

Individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

ADL support and skill building
Medication management
Community integration
Health and safety monitoring

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Focus on least restrictive environment and individual rights.

Careplans.com Support

Support group home operations with individualized care planning tools.

Home Healthcare

(HOME)

Nurses visit patients’ homes to provide medical care, manage chronic conditions, or support recovery after hospital discharge, often working with elderly or disabled individuals.

General Description: Nurses visit patients’ homes to deliver medical care, manage chronic conditions, support post-hospital recovery, and promote independence for elderly, disabled, or recovering individuals.

Key Components

Governance

Regulated by CMS Conditions of Participation, state licensure, OASIS documentation requirements, and home health agency policies with emphasis on patient safety and outcome measurement.

General Responsibilities

Comprehensive home assessments, skilled nursing procedures, medication management, education, and care coordination.

Who It Serves

Homebound patients recovering from illness, surgery, or managing chronic conditions.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

OASIS assessments and care planning
Medication reconciliation and teaching
Wound care and IV therapy
Fall prevention and safety
Rehospitalization prevention

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Heavy emphasis on documentation for reimbursement and quality outcomes.

Careplans.com Support

Our platform is built to excel in home health with strong OASIS and care plan support.

Hospice and Palliative Care

(HOSPICE)

Nurses offer end-of-life care or symptom management for patients with terminal illnesses, either in specialized facilities, patients’ homes, or inpatient hospice units.

General Description: Nurses provide compassionate end-of-life care and symptom management for patients with terminal illnesses in facilities, homes, or inpatient units, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Key Components

Governance

Guided by Medicare Hospice Benefit regulations, NHPCO standards, state laws, and interdisciplinary team frameworks emphasizing palliative care principles and ethical decision-making.

General Responsibilities

Symptom management (pain, dyspnea, nausea), psychosocial and spiritual support, family education, and bereavement services.

Who It Serves

Patients with terminal illnesses and their families seeking comfort-focused care.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Pain and symptom management
Psychosocial and spiritual support
Family/caregiver education
Advance care planning

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Interdisciplinary team approach with strict eligibility and documentation requirements.

Careplans.com Support

Specialized hospice and palliative care planning tools to support dignity and comfort.

Hospital

(HOSP)

Acute care environments, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), surgical units, or general medical wards, addressing immediate and complex health issues.

General Description: Acute care environments such as emergency rooms, ICUs, surgical units, and medical wards where nurses manage immediate, complex, and life-threatening health issues with rapid intervention and advanced monitoring.

Key Components

Governance

Practice is governed by state Nurse Practice Acts, hospital policies, The Joint Commission standards, ANA Scope and Standards, and specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN). Collaborative agreements with physicians, evidence-based protocols, and continuous quality improvement programs.

Who It Serves

Acutely ill or injured patients requiring hospital-level care.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Rapid assessment and stabilization
Multi-system monitoring and intervention
Patient and family education
Discharge planning

Regulatory & Operational Notes

High-acuity environment with strict quality and safety standards.

Careplans.com Support

Robust tools for fast, accurate hospital care planning and documentation.

Infusion Therapy Center

(INFUSION)

Ambulatory setting where nurses administer IV medications, biologics, chemotherapy, hydration, and antibiotics, manage central lines, and monitor for infusion reactions for patients who do not require hospitalization.

General Description: Ambulatory centers where nurses administer IV medications, chemotherapy, and biologics while monitoring for reactions.

Key Components

Governance

INS Infusion Standards and Joint Commission ambulatory accreditation.

General Responsibilities

IV access management, infusion monitoring, patient education, and emergency response.

Total scope delivers safe outpatient infusions.

Who It Serves

Patients requiring outpatient IV therapy, chemotherapy, or biologic treatments.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Infusion reaction monitoring
Patient education and self-management
Vascular access care
Comfort and safety during treatment

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Strict adherence to infusion standards and infection control.

Careplans.com Support

Specialized templates for safe infusion therapy documentation.

Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH)

(LTACH)

Hospital-level care for medically complex patients needing extended stays, such as prolonged ventilator weaning, complex wound care, or multi-system organ support that exceeds the scope of a typical skilled nursing facility.

General Description: Provides extended hospital-level care for medically complex patients requiring prolonged treatment such as ventilator weaning or complex wound management.

Key Components

Governance

Joint Commission and CMS LTACH-specific regulations.

General Responsibilities

Advanced monitoring, multi-system care coordination, and long-stay rehabilitation support.

Total scope manages high-acuity extended stays.

Who It Serves

Medically complex patients needing extended acute care.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Ventilator weaning and respiratory care
Complex wound management
Multi-disciplinary rehabilitation
Care transition planning

Regulatory & Operational Notes

CMS-specific criteria and quality reporting requirements.

Careplans.com Support

Tools designed for long-term acute care documentation and planning.

Long-Term Care Facility

(LTCF)

Includes nursing homes and assisted living facilities where nurses care for elderly or chronically ill patients needing ongoing support with daily activities and medical needs.

General Description: Includes nursing homes and assisted living facilities where nurses provide ongoing care for elderly or chronically ill residents needing support with daily activities and medical needs, focusing on dignity, safety, and quality of life.

Key Components

Governance

Regulated by CMS, OBRA, state departments of health, and facility-specific policies. MDS/RAI process, individualized care plans, and quality assurance programs guide practice under federal and state long-term care regulations.

General Responsibilities

Comprehensive resident assessments, care planning, medication management, and coordination of interdisciplinary services.

Who It Serves

Elderly and chronically ill residents requiring 24/7 nursing support.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

MDS/RAI and comprehensive care planning
Pressure injury prevention
Fall prevention and mobility
Medication management
Dementia and behavioral care

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Heavy regulatory oversight with emphasis on quality of life and survey readiness.

Careplans.com Support

Our platform is optimized for long-term care with strong MDS and care plan integration — perfect for facilities like SerenityADC.

Maternity / Birth Center

(MATERNITY)

Care setting for prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum, and newborn care, ranging from freestanding birth centers to hospital obstetric units, supporting low-risk births, lactation, and maternal-newborn education.

General Description: Settings providing prenatal, labor, delivery, postpartum, and newborn care with focus on family-centered maternity services.

Key Components

Governance

ACOG and AWHONN standards.

General Responsibilities

Antenatal monitoring, labor support, delivery assistance, lactation support, and newborn care.

Total scope supports safe maternal-newborn outcomes.

Who It Serves

Expectant mothers, newborns, and families.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Antenatal and postpartum education
Labor support and pain management
Newborn assessment and care
Breastfeeding support

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Strong focus on maternal and infant safety metrics.

Careplans.com Support

Family-centered maternity care planning templates available.

Memory Care Facility

(MEMORY)

Secured residential setting for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, providing structured routines, behavioral support, safety supervision, and assistance with activities of daily living.

General Description: Secured residential settings specialized for individuals with dementia, offering structured support, safety, and cognitive activities.

Key Components

Governance

State memory care regulations and dementia care best practices.

General Responsibilities

Behavioral management, ADL assistance, and family support in a safe environment.

Total scope maintains dignity for those with dementia.

Who It Serves

Individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Behavioral and cognitive support
Safety and wandering prevention
Structured daily activities
Family education and support

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Specialized training and environmental safety requirements.

Careplans.com Support

Dementia-specific care planning tools to support dignity and quality of life.

Mental Health/Psychiatric Facility

(PSYCH)

Nurses support patients with mental health conditions in inpatient psychiatric hospitals or outpatient mental health clinics.

General Description: Nurses support patients with mental health conditions in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings through therapeutic interventions and safety management.

Key Components

Governance

Follows state mental health laws, Joint Commission standards, and ANA psychiatric-mental health nursing scope.

General Responsibilities

Therapeutic communication, medication management, crisis intervention, safety monitoring, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.

Total scope promotes mental health recovery and stability.

Who It Serves

Individuals experiencing mental health crises or ongoing psychiatric conditions.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Crisis intervention and de-escalation
Medication management and monitoring
Therapeutic milieu management
Discharge and community transition planning

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Strong emphasis on patient safety and therapeutic relationships.

Careplans.com Support

Tools designed for psychiatric and mental health care planning.

Military Base

(MIL)

Nurses provide care to service members and their families, often in field hospitals, bases, or during deployments.

General Description: Nurses deliver care to service members and families in military treatment facilities, field hospitals, and during deployments.

Key Components

Governance

Guided by military regulations, TRICARE policies, and readiness standards.

General Responsibilities

Primary and acute care, deployment medicine, health promotion, and family support services.

Total scope supports mission readiness and family wellness.

Who It Serves

Active duty service members, veterans, and military families.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Deployment-related health issues
Family support and readiness
Chronic condition management
Injury and trauma care

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Focus on operational readiness and continuity of care.

Careplans.com Support

Support military and veteran care with our comprehensive planning tools.

Mobile Health Clinic

(MOBILE)

Vehicle-based clinic that brings primary care, screenings, vaccinations, and health education directly to underserved, rural, or transient populations.

General Description: Vehicle-based clinics delivering primary care and screenings directly to underserved and rural populations.

Key Components

Governance

State mobile clinic licensing and HRSA guidelines.

General Responsibilities

Outreach, screenings, vaccinations, and basic primary care services.

Total scope improves healthcare access.

Who It Serves

Underserved, rural, and mobile populations with limited healthcare access.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Preventive screenings and immunizations
Chronic disease management
Health education and outreach
Care coordination and referrals

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Flexibility and mobility while maintaining clinical standards.

Careplans.com Support

Mobile-friendly tools for on-the-go care documentation.

Occupational Health Setting

(OCC)

Nurses work in workplaces (e.g., factories, offices) to promote employee health, manage work-related injuries, or conduct wellness programs.

General Description: Nurses promote worker health, prevent injuries, manage work-related conditions, and support wellness programs in corporate and industrial environments.

Key Components

Governance

Follows OSHA regulations, state workers’ compensation laws, and occupational health best practices.

General Responsibilities

Injury assessment, health screenings, wellness education, case management for return-to-work, and compliance with workplace safety standards.

Total scope enhances workforce health and productivity.

Who It Serves

Employees in corporate, industrial, and occupational settings.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Injury prevention and treatment
Workplace wellness programs
Return-to-work planning
Compliance and documentation

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Strong focus on OSHA compliance and cost containment.

Careplans.com Support

Occupational health care planning and documentation made simple.

PACE Center

(PACE)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly: a day-center-based model delivering coordinated medical, social, and rehabilitative services that allow frail seniors to remain living in the community.

General Description: Day-center model delivering comprehensive medical, social, and rehabilitative services to help frail elderly remain in the community.

Key Components

Governance

CMS PACE regulations and interdisciplinary team requirements.

General Responsibilities

Comprehensive assessments, care coordination, and preventive services in a day program setting.

Total scope enables aging in place.

Who It Serves

Frail elderly who qualify for nursing home-level care but wish to remain in the community.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Comprehensive interdisciplinary assessments
Care coordination across services
Preventive and rehabilitative care
Caregiver support

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Capitated payment model with strict CMS oversight.

Careplans.com Support

Excellent support for PACE programs with integrated care planning.

Pediatric / Children's Hospital

(PEDS)

Facility dedicated to the care of infants, children, and adolescents, providing acute, chronic, surgical, and specialty care tailored to pediatric physiology, development, and family-centered needs.

General Description: Facilities dedicated to infants, children, and adolescents offering family-centered acute, chronic, and specialty pediatric care.

Key Components

Governance

American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines and child-specific regulations.

General Responsibilities

Age-appropriate assessments, family education, developmental support, and multidisciplinary coordination.

Total scope addresses unique pediatric needs.

Who It Serves

Infants, children, and adolescents with medical needs.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Age-appropriate developmental care
Family-centered education and support
Chronic condition management in children
Play and psychosocial support

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Special pediatric safety and family involvement standards.

Careplans.com Support

Pediatric-specific care planning resources available.

Public Health Department

(PUBHEALTH)

Government public health agency where nurses deliver immunizations, communicable disease surveillance and contact tracing, maternal-child health programs, screenings, and population-level health promotion.

General Description: Government agencies delivering population-level services including immunizations, disease surveillance, and health promotion.

Key Components

Governance

CDC and state health department frameworks.

General Responsibilities

Epidemiology, outbreak response, community education, and policy implementation.

Total scope protects and improves community health.

Who It Serves

Entire communities and populations.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Disease surveillance and outbreak control
Immunization programs
Health policy and education
Community health assessments

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Population-level focus with strong data and reporting requirements.

Careplans.com Support

Support public health initiatives with scalable planning tools.

Rehabilitation Center

(REHAB)

Nurses help patients recover from surgeries, injuries, or illnesses (e.g., stroke, addiction) in facilities focused on physical, occupational, or substance abuse therapy.

General Description: Nurses support recovery from surgery, injury, stroke, or illness in facilities focused on physical, occupational, and substance abuse rehabilitation to restore function and independence.

Key Components

Governance

Regulated by CMS, CARF accreditation standards, state rehabilitation regulations, and interdisciplinary care planning requirements.

General Responsibilities

Functional assessments, medication management, patient education on safety and self-care, coordination with therapy teams, and discharge planning.

Who It Serves

Patients recovering from injury, surgery, stroke, or illness.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Functional restoration and therapy coordination
Patient and family education
Safety and fall prevention
Discharge and home transition planning

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Interdisciplinary, goal-oriented care with strong outcome measurement.

Careplans.com Support

Rehabilitation-focused care planning tools to support recovery.

School

(SCHOOL)

School nurses provide care to students, managing acute illnesses, chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes), and health education in primary or secondary education settings.

General Description: School nurses manage student health needs including acute illness, chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes, injuries, and health education in educational settings.

Key Components

Governance

Follows NASN standards, state nurse practice acts, school board policies, FERPA, and public health guidelines for school health services.

General Responsibilities

Health screenings, medication administration, emergency care, chronic disease management, health education, immunization compliance, and coordination with families and providers.

Who It Serves

Students in K-12 and higher education settings.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Chronic condition management (asthma, diabetes, seizures)
Emergency care and first aid
Health education and promotion
Immunization compliance

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Balance between education environment and healthcare delivery with privacy considerations.

Careplans.com Support

School nursing care planning and documentation tools.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

(SNF)

Provides short-term, post-acute skilled nursing and rehabilitation for patients recovering from hospitalization (e.g., surgery, stroke, infection) who still require daily skilled care, IV therapy, or wound management before returning home.

General Description: Short-term post-acute care facilities providing skilled nursing and rehabilitation for patients recovering from hospitalization before returning home.

Key Components

Governance

CMS-regulated with MDS, care planning, and quality reporting requirements.

General Responsibilities

IV therapy, wound care, rehabilitation support, medication management, and discharge planning.

Total scope bridges hospital and home care.

Who It Serves

Patients transitioning from hospital to home who need short-term skilled care.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Short-stay rehabilitation and recovery
Wound care and IV therapy
Medication reconciliation
Discharge planning to prevent readmissions

Regulatory & Operational Notes

CMS quality measures and MDS-driven care planning.

Careplans.com Support

Optimized for SNF workflows with strong MDS integration.

Substance Use Treatment Center

(SUD)

Inpatient or outpatient facility providing medically supervised detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery support for individuals with substance use disorders.

General Description: Facilities providing medically supervised detox, treatment, and recovery support for substance use disorders.

Key Components

Governance

CARF and state substance abuse treatment regulations.

General Responsibilities

Withdrawal management, medication-assisted treatment, counseling coordination, and relapse prevention.

Total scope supports recovery and long-term sobriety.

Who It Serves

Individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Withdrawal management and safety
Medication-assisted treatment
Relapse prevention planning
Co-occurring mental health support

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Focus on evidence-based treatment and long-term recovery outcomes.

Careplans.com Support

Tools to support substance use treatment and recovery planning.

Telehealth/Virtual Care

(TELE)

Nurses assist with pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing same-day surgical procedures.

General Description: Nurses deliver remote care, assessment, education, and monitoring using telecommunication technologies for patients across various settings.

Key Components

Governance

Follows state telehealth regulations, ANA telehealth guidelines, and HIPAA privacy standards.

General Responsibilities

Virtual assessments, triage, patient education, chronic disease monitoring, and care coordination via digital platforms.

Total scope expands access to care through technology.

Who It Serves

Patients who benefit from remote healthcare access.

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Virtual assessment and triage
Chronic disease remote monitoring
Patient education via telehealth
Care coordination across distances

Regulatory & Operational Notes

State licensure and HIPAA compliance are critical.

Careplans.com Support

Telehealth-ready documentation and care planning features.

Wound Care Center

(WOUND)

Specialized outpatient clinic focused on assessment and treatment of chronic or non-healing wounds (e.g., diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, surgical wounds), including debridement, dressings, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

General Description: Specialized clinics focused on assessment and treatment of chronic, non-healing wounds using advanced modalities like debridement and hyperbaric therapy.

Key Components

Governance

WOCN Society guidelines and facility protocols.

General Responsibilities

Wound assessment, treatment planning, dressing changes, and patient education on self-care.

Total scope promotes wound healing and prevention.

Who It Serves

Patients with chronic, non-healing wounds (diabetic, venous, pressure ulcers, etc.).

Key Care Planning Focus Areas

Comprehensive wound assessment
Treatment plan optimization
Patient and caregiver education
Prevention of recurrence

Regulatory & Operational Notes

Evidence-based protocols with strong outcome tracking.

Careplans.com Support

Specialized wound care templates and documentation tools.