Registered Nurse: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write SOAP Notes

Updated in July 2025

SOAP notes are essential for effective patient care and documentation in nursing. This guide provides detailed instructions for each section of a SOAP note, helping you understand the structure and content required for thorough documentation in the nursing context. By mastering SOAP notes, you can enhance patient care, ensure effective communication among healthcare providers, and maintain accurate medical records.

For specific examples, see our list of 10 Common Registered Nurse SOAP Note Examples.

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Subjective Section (S)

In a nursing SOAP note, the Subjective section (S) captures the patient’s self-reported information about their condition and symptoms. This section provides context for the nurse to understand the patient’s perspective and experiences. Here are the specific things that should go into the Subjective section of a nursing SOAP note:

Subjective Section (S) Components

  1. Chief Complaint:

    • The primary reason the patient is seeking care.
    • Example: "I have been experiencing severe headaches for the past three days."
  2. History of Present Illness:

    • Details about the onset, duration, and progression of the current condition.
    • Example: "The headaches started suddenly and are constant, with a throbbing sensation."
  3. Pain Description:

    • Location, intensity, quality, and duration of the pain.
    • Pain scale rating (e.g., 0-10 scale).
    • Example: "The patient reports a throbbing headache rated as 8/10."
  4. Associated Symptoms:

    • Any other symptoms the patient is experiencing in conjunction with the chief complaint.
    • Example: "The patient also reports nausea and sensitivity to light."
  5. Medical History:

    • Relevant past medical conditions, surgeries, or hospitalizations.
    • Example: "The patient has a history of migraines and hypertension."
  6. Medications:

    • Current medications the patient is taking, including dosage and frequency.
    • Example: "The patient is currently taking amlodipine 5mg daily for hypertension."
  7. Allergies:

    • Any known allergies to medications, foods, or other substances.
    • Example: "The patient is allergic to penicillin."
  8. Social History:

    • Relevant social factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and occupation.
    • Example: "The patient is a non-smoker and drinks alcohol occasionally."
  9. Family History:

    • Relevant family medical history.
    • Example: "The patient’s mother also has a history of migraines."
  10. Patient Goals:

    • The patient’s goals and expectations from the care they are receiving.
    • Example: "The patient hopes to find relief from the headaches and return to work."

Tips:

  • Use the patient’s own words when possible.
  • Be thorough in capturing all relevant information.
  • Ask open-ended questions to gather comprehensive details.

Example of a Subjective Section for Registered Nurse

The patient presents with a chief complaint of severe headaches that have been occurring for the past three days. The headaches started suddenly and are described as constant with a throbbing sensation. The patient rates the pain as 8 out of 10 in intensity.
In addition to the headaches, the patient reports experiencing nausea and sensitivity to light. The patient has a history of migraines and hypertension and is currently taking amlodipine 5mg daily for hypertension. The patient is allergic to penicillin.
The patient is a non-smoker and drinks alcohol occasionally. The patient’s mother also has a history of migraines. The patient hopes to find relief from the headaches and return to work.

Objective Section (O)

In a nursing SOAP note, the Objective section (O) captures measurable, observable, and factual data obtained during the patient’s examination. This section provides concrete evidence of the patient’s condition and progress. Here are the specific things that should go into the Objective section of a nursing SOAP note:

Objective Section (O) Components

  1. Vital Signs:

    • Record the patient’s vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.
    • Example: "BP 140/90, HR 80, RR 18, Temp 98.4°F"
  2. Physical Examination Findings:

    • Document the results of your physical examination, including inspection, palpation, and auscultation.
    • Example: "No visible signs of distress. Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light."
  3. Neurological Assessment:

    • Assess and document the patient’s neurological status.
    • Example: "Cranial nerves II-XII intact. No focal neurological deficits."
  4. Pain Assessment:

    • Document the patient’s pain level and any observable signs of pain.
    • Example: "Patient appears uncomfortable, holding head and squinting."
  5. Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests:

    • Include results of any lab tests or diagnostic imaging relevant to the patient’s condition.
    • Example: "CT scan of the head shows no acute abnormalities."
  6. Other Observations:

    • Any other relevant observations made during the examination.
    • Example: "Patient appears well-nourished and hydrated."

Tips:

  • Be precise and factual in your documentation.
  • Include only measurable and observable data.
  • Use standardized scales and measurements where applicable.

Example of an Objective Section for Registered Nurse

Vital Signs: BP 140/90, HR 80, RR 18, Temp 98.4°F
Physical Exam: No visible signs of distress. Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light.
Neurological Assessment: Cranial nerves II-XII intact. No focal neurological deficits.
Pain Assessment: Patient appears uncomfortable, holding head and squinting.
Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests: CT scan of the head shows no acute abnormalities.
Other Observations: Patient appears well-nourished and hydrated.

Assessment Section (A)

In a nursing SOAP note, the Assessment section (A) synthesizes the information gathered in the Subjective and Objective sections to provide a clinical judgment about the patient’s condition. This section includes the nurse's professional interpretation, diagnosis, and the patient’s progress and response to treatment. Here are the specific things that should go into the Assessment section of a nursing SOAP note:

Assessment Section (A) Components

  1. Nursing Diagnosis:

    • Provide a nursing diagnosis based on the subjective and objective findings.
    • Example: "Acute pain related to migraine headaches."
  2. Clinical Impression:

    • Include your clinical interpretation of the patient’s condition.
    • Example: "The patient’s symptoms are consistent with a migraine headache."
  3. Patient Progress:

    • Comment on the patient’s progress since the last visit, if applicable.
    • Example: "The patient reports no improvement in headache severity since the last visit."
  4. Prognosis:

    • Provide an outlook on the patient’s recovery based on their condition and response to treatment.
    • Example: "With appropriate treatment, the patient is expected to experience relief from headaches within 24-48 hours."
  5. Goals:

    • Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the patient’s care.
    • Example: "Short-term goal: Reduce headache pain to 4/10 within 24 hours. Long-term goal: Prevent recurrence of severe headaches."

Tips:

  • Be clear and concise in your clinical judgment.
  • Use evidence-based reasoning to support your diagnosis and clinical impression.
  • Set realistic and measurable goals for the patient.

Example of an Assessment Section for Registered Nurse

The patient is diagnosed with acute pain related to migraine headaches. The clinical impression indicates that the patient’s symptoms are consistent with a migraine headache. The patient reports no improvement in headache severity since the last visit.
The prognosis is positive, with the expectation that appropriate treatment will provide relief from headaches within 24-48 hours. The short-term goal is to reduce the patient’s headache pain to a level of 4 out of 10 within 24 hours. The long-term goal is to prevent the recurrence of severe headaches.

Plan Section (P)

Plan Section (P) Components

  1. Interventions:

    • Specific nursing interventions that will be implemented to address the patient’s condition.
    • Example: "Administer prescribed migraine medication."
  2. Medications:

    • Detailed description of the medications prescribed, including dosage and frequency.
    • Example: "Administer sumatriptan 50mg orally as needed for headache."
  3. Patient Education:

    • Information and instructions provided to the patient to help them manage their condition and prevent further issues.
    • Example: "Educate the patient on migraine triggers and lifestyle modifications."
  4. Monitoring:

    • Plan for monitoring the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
    • Example: "Monitor the patient’s pain level and vital signs every 4 hours."
  5. Follow-Up:

    • The plan for subsequent visits, including the frequency and duration of follow-up appointments.
    • Example: "Schedule follow-up appointment in one week to assess progress."

Tips:

  • Be specific and detailed in your plan to ensure clarity and adherence.
  • Tailor the plan to the individual needs and goals of the patient.
  • Ensure that the patient understands their role in the treatment plan, especially for self-care and medication adherence.

Example of a Plan Section for Registered Nurse

The plan for the patient involves several key components to address their acute pain related to migraine headaches. The primary intervention will be to administer the prescribed migraine medication, sumatriptan 50mg orally as needed for headache.
Patient education is an essential part of the plan. The patient will be educated on identifying migraine triggers and making lifestyle modifications to prevent future headaches.
The patient’s condition and response to treatment will be closely monitored, with pain levels and vital signs checked every 4 hours.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled in one week to assess the patient’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

This detailed information in the Plan section ensures that the patient receives a comprehensive and personalized care strategy, and helps track progress and outcomes effectively.

Free Registered Nurse SOAP Note Template

Improve your nursing documentation with our comprehensive registered nurse SOAP note template. This template includes all essential elements for patient assessments, shift notes, and care planning.

SOAP Note Template - Registered Nurse
SUBJECTIVE:
Chief complaint: [Patient's primary concern or reason for admission]
Pain assessment: [Location, quality, intensity (0-10 scale), duration, aggravating/alleviating factors]
Current symptoms: [Patient's reported symptoms and concerns]
Comfort level: [Sleep quality, appetite, energy level]
Functional status: [Mobility, self-care ability, assistance needed]
Emotional state: [Anxiety, depression, coping mechanisms]
Understanding: [Patient's knowledge of condition and treatment]
Support system: [Family involvement, social support]
Previous shift events: [Relevant information from previous shifts]
Patient goals: [What patient hopes to achieve]
OBJECTIVE:
Vital signs: [Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation]
Pain scale: [Numeric rating, behavioral indicators]
General appearance: [Alert level, posture, hygiene, apparent distress]
Cardiovascular: [Heart sounds, rhythm, peripheral pulses, edema]
Respiratory: [Lung sounds, breathing pattern, oxygen requirements]
Gastrointestinal: [Bowel sounds, abdominal assessment, last bowel movement]
Genitourinary: [Urine output, catheter status, continence]
Neurological: [Mental status, orientation, motor function, reflexes]
Integumentary: [Skin condition, wounds, pressure areas, IV sites]
Musculoskeletal: [Range of motion, strength, mobility level]
Psychosocial: [Mood, affect, communication, interaction]
Safety: [Fall risk, confusion, restraints, call light accessibility]
ASSESSMENT:
Primary nursing diagnoses: [NANDA-I approved nursing diagnoses]
Priority problems: [Most urgent patient care needs]
Risk factors: [Fall risk, infection risk, skin breakdown risk]
Response to treatment: [Improvement, stable, decline in condition]
Medication effectiveness: [Response to medications, side effects]
Patient/family learning needs: [Education required]
Discharge planning needs: [Preparation for discharge]
Barriers to care: [Patient compliance, family support, resources]
PLAN:
1. Nursing interventions: [Specific nursing actions to address problems]
2. Medication administration: [Scheduled and PRN medications]
3. Monitoring parameters: [Vital signs frequency, assessments needed]
4. Safety measures: [Fall precautions, isolation, positioning]
5. Patient education: [Teaching topics, methods, evaluation]
6. Comfort measures: [Pain management, positioning, environment]
7. Nutrition/hydration: [Diet orders, intake monitoring, assistance]
8. Activity/mobility: [Ambulation, therapy, positioning schedule]
9. Psychosocial support: [Emotional support, communication, resources]
10. Discharge planning: [Preparation activities, referrals needed]
11. Communication: [Family updates, provider notifications]
12. Documentation: [Ongoing assessment, care plan updates]

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