Defining Nursing Interventions

Nurses are giving increasing attention to independent nursing interventions. However, numerous conceptualizations of interventions have evolved and are being used. The purpose of this essay is to examine some of the existing definitions and classification systems for interventions and to provide a rationale for a common universal language for nursing interventions. Definitions and approaches used in five intervention classification systems are examined in relation to inclusion of assessment and evaluation activities, autonomy, level of conceptualization, and inclusiveness of intervention labels. Lack of a common intervention language can deter international collaboration, development of a scientific basis for practice, and reimbursement for nursing services.