A Plan of Nursing Services (PONS) is a nursing document commonly used in New York OPWDD settings to provide guidance to Direct Support Professionals caring for individuals with medical needs.The PONS helps staff understand how to safely support specific health conditions and follow nursing recommendations.
What Information Is Included in a PONS?
A PONS may include:
- Medical diagnoses
- Signs and symptoms to monitor
- Nursing interventions
- Emergency guidance
- Safety precautions
- Medication-related concerns
- When to notify the nurse
Why the PONS Matters
The PONS helps:
- Promote consistency of care
- Improve communication
- Reduce medical risk
- Support staff education
- Reinforce individualized care needs
DSPs should review PONS documents regularly and follow all listed nursing guidance.