s.o.a.p.

it seems that just when you feel like things are really calming down and finally kind of normal, that's exactly when something totally unexpected happens. life has an amazing knack for being completely unpredictable, non?

in nursing there is this thing called a s.o.a.p. note. you use this format when initially assessing a patient to see what's going on and what should be done about it. the letters stand for subjective, objective, assessment, and plan. and really, this isn't a bad formula to use for things that come up in life either.

first you ask the patient what they think is going on: explain the problem, how does it feel, what makes it better or worse, etc.; this is when the patient tells their side of the story.
then you do an objective analysis of physical systems and conditions: heart rate and rythm, blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, reflexes, condition of injuries, etc.; this is concrete evidence that might indicate dysfunction or problems to cause whatever ailment the patient presented with.
the assessment combines the first two sets of data to form a diagnosis of the patient's condition.
and finally, a plan is created to address the problems related to the diagnosis and either fix said problems or make them bearable for the patient to live with.

honestly, i don't think this way naturally. and i don't even really use this format very often unless i am told to directly by an instructor or employer. but i do think it is a pretty useful way to address problems. i like that it includes both a subjective and an objective portion before coming to any conclusions. i think people often think these two are separate entities, but our minds and bodies are so connected. and i like that it is so methodical and organized because i have been known to be more emotional than practical, and this provides a systematic and balanced way of dealing with problems.
oh nursing school, look at what you've done to me...