Ultimate Guide to SOAP Notes

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18 hours ago
4 min read

If you’ve ever stared at a blank charting screen wondering how to start, you’re not alone. Nursing documentation can feel like one of the most time-consuming parts of the job, and that’s because it is. Studies show that nurses spend up to 40% of their shift on documentation. That’s hours every day. The key to making that time productive (and not a headache) is having a clear, reliable framework for your notes. According to a recent study, using a standardized format speeds up the documentation process and improves the notes' quality.

Enter the SOAP note.

SOAP stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. It’s one of the most widely used documentation methods in nursing, and for good reason. This format keeps your notes structured, ensures you’re including all the important details, and makes it easier for the next person reading the chart to understand exactly what’s going on with your patient.

Let’s break down each section, what belongs in it, and some tips to make writing SOAP notes feel less like a chore and more like a quick, confident process.

Ultimate Guide to SOAP Notes

S – Subjective

This is all about what the patient tells you: their symptoms, feelings, and concerns, in their own words as much as possible. It’s their story of what’s happening, not your interpretation.

Examples:

“I’ve been having sharp chest pain for the past two hours.”
“My leg feels heavy, and I can’t move it like I usually can.”
“I feel dizzy and nauseous when I stand up.”

Tips for writing the Subjective section:

Use quotation marks for direct quotes from the patient.
If the patient can’t communicate, note why (e.g., intubated, unconscious) and include information from family members or caregivers.
Keep it focused. You don’t need every detail, just what’s relevant to the current situation.

O – Objective

This is where you record measurable, observable data. This is your chance to back up the patient’s story with facts you can see, hear, feel, or measure.

Examples:

BP 150/92, HR 102, Temp 100.8°F
Left leg swelling +3 pitting edema
Wheezing was noted in the upper lobes on auscultation

Tips for the Objective section:

Be specific. “Redness” is vague, but “2 cm area of erythema on the right forearm” is clear.
Stick to what you’ve observed or measured, not what you think it means (that’s for the Assessment section).
Remember that lab results, diagnostic imaging findings, and physical exam data all belong here.

A – Assessment

This is your professional evaluation of the situation based on the subjective and objective findings. It’s where you connect the dots.

Examples:

“Patient is likely experiencing hypertensive urgency given elevated BP and headache.”
“Findings consistent with left lower lobe pneumonia.”
“Signs of dehydration present, possibly due to reduced oral intake.”

Tips for the Assessment section:

Be concise but clear — no need to write an essay, but make sure it’s complete enough for another nurse or provider to follow your reasoning.
If there are multiple possible issues, note all of them in order of urgency.
Avoid jumping to conclusions that aren’t supported by your data.

P – Plan

Here’s where you outline the next steps. This could include treatments, interventions, monitoring, patient education, or follow-up plans.

Examples:

“Administered acetaminophen 650 mg PO, will reassess temperature in 1 hour.”
“Ordered chest X-ray and CBC, pending results.”
“Encouraged increased fluid intake, educated patient on signs of dehydration.”

Tips for the Plan section:

Be specific about what will be done, who will do it, and when it will be followed up.
Include both immediate actions and ongoing monitoring or teaching.
If the plan was created in collaboration with another provider, note that.

Why SOAP Notes Work So Well for Nurses

The beauty of SOAP notes is that they give you a clear framework, which means less mental energy spent figuring out where to put what. And when you’re in the middle of a busy shift, that’s priceless.

Well-structured documentation protects your patients and yourself. In fact, studies have found that up to 86% of claim denials could be prevented with better documentation. A clear SOAP note can make the difference between smooth care continuity and confusion during a shift change.

Tips for Writing SOAP Notes Faster

Chart in real time when possible. The closer you are to the event, the less you’ll have to rely on memory.
Use templates or tools. If your EMR supports SOAP note templates, use them to save time.
Don’t overcomplicate it. Stick to relevant details. Your goal is clarity, not a novel.
Know your abbreviations. Use approved medical abbreviations to cut down on typing.
Practice. The more you write SOAP notes, the more second-nature it becomes.

The Takeaway

SOAP notes help you communicate clearly with the rest of the healthcare team, make your patient’s story easy to follow, and protect you in case of legal or compliance issues.

When you master the SOAP note format, you’re saving time and improving patient care. And in a profession where every minute counts, that’s something worth perfecting.