SMART Goals
SMART Goals
SMART goals are a framework for setting clear, achievable objectives. However, in nursing practice, SMART goals can be used to improve both personal development and patient care. The acronym “SMART” stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART goals can help with improving overall patient care outcomes. These well-defined goals help nurses maintain motivation, track their progress, and ultimately deliver high-quality, patient-focused care.
Goal: To improve my patient communication skills by asking open-ended questions and constructing nurse-patient relationships within the first 2 weeks of my clinical placement in the Winter Term of 2025.
- Specific: Focus on improving communication by actively listening to patients and others in the environment.
- Measurable: Engage with at least 3 patients per shift, and work up from there.
- Achievable: Try to put an effort into talking to people, whether it be students, nurses, patients, or others within the clinical placement.
- Relevant: Communicating with patients may improve their day and boost their moods.
- Time-bound: Complete the goal within 2 weeks of my clinical placement. Short-term goal.
Goal: To be confident in working independently with patients, without supervision, by March 2025, demonstrating skills and knowledge that are necessary to provide high-quality care.
- Specific: Gain the confidence and ability to work independently with patients, demonstrating the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care.
- Measurable: Assess progress through regular evaluations from clinical supervisors, feedback from peers, and demonstrating competence in key nursing tasks and responsibilities.
- Achievable: Engage in hands-on practice to improve clinical skills, and reach out to experienced nurses for help if needed.
- Relevant: Prepares me to take on responsibility in patient care and to build my confidence as a nurse.
- Time-bound: Complete the goal by March 2025 in my placement. Long-term Goal.