Nursing Care Plan Types Care plans are used in a variety of ways in practice. The objective of the care plan and the care setting determine the structure and format of the care plan. Care Planning: Formal vs. Informal Informal care plans are not usually formally documented. Informal care plans may include the nurse's goals during their shift. These objectives will be adjusted based on the day's priorities and changes in the patient's condition. Formal care plans are recorded in the patient record and used to manage, prioritize, and maintain continuity of care. While formal care plans can be changed in response to new priorities or the outcomes of interventions, they are frequently linked to the patient's long-term goals. The formal care plan may include goals to be met before leaving the hospital or agency. Within the scope of the nursing process, both formal and informal care plans are used.