Nursing skills and techniques refer to both the individual skills and the systematic framework of nursing techniques applied to solve nursing problems while ensuring the safety and comfort of those under care. These techniques are purposeful and evidence-based, with the acquisition and transmission of specialized knowledge occurring through skill development and training. The art of nursing is creative and occurs within the context of individual human-to-human relationships.

Nursing techniques can be classified in various ways, such as “techniques for developing the nursing process,” “interpersonal relationship techniques,” “life support techniques,” and ” support techniques for medical procedures.” These are further categorized into ” techniques for providing physical care,” “technologies that affect cognition and emotion,” and “technologies that affect the environment.”

The “ability to develop the nursing process” involves skills like assessing the patient’s situation, identifying treatment problems, planning and implementing nursing support, and critical thinking. This ability is crucial for systematically providing nursing arts. “Interpersonal skills” encompass the ability to understand others’ emotions and thoughts, express one’s own emotions and thoughts, and build and adjust relationships—forming the foundation of nursing care through human-to-human interaction. ” Lifestyle assistance techniques ” includes aiding in daily living activities such as cleaning, eating, excretion, and exercise. Meanwhile, “assistance technology associated with medical treatment” involves supporting diagnosis and medical treatments like surgery and examinations. Together, these elements constitute the basis of fundamental nursing care.

• Fukai, K. (Ed.). (2006). Utilizing feedback for practice: Evidence of care techniques II. Health Publishing.
• Japan Academy of Nursing Science, Nursing Academic Terminology Review Committee (Ed.). (1995). Nursing academic terminology (4th Academic Terminology Review Committee, p. 9). Japan Academy of Nursing Science.
• Kawashima, M. (2010). Basic theory of the art of nursing. Life Support Co., Ltd.
• Potter, P. A., & Perry, A. G. (2007). Nursing masterpiece series: Potter & Perry nursing basics: Knowledge and skills essential for practice (Ibe, T., Supervisor). Elsevier Japan.