A Brief Guide to SMART goal setting
A Brief Guide to SMART goal setting
A SMART goal is a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, and relevant and time based. In other words, a goal that is very clear and easily
understood.
SPECIFIC
The goal must clearly state what is to be achieved, and sometimes it may even state why that goal is important. Not all of these questions will apply to
every goal, but it is important to ask all the questions in order to assess how specific your goal is and make it as clear as possible. For example to set a goal
elevant to time management and prioritisation of care you will need to think about how you will know if you have been successful.
MEASURABLE
Measurability applies to both the end result and the milestones along the way to attaining a goal. It answers the question of quantity – how much, how
often, how many? The milestones are signs along the way that will tell you that you are on the right track to achieving your goal. This is often true when it
comes to goals. Your clinical coach or preceptor may be able to help you to identify how you can measure your achievements in a clinical setting
in relation to the care plan and the ANMC competencies.
ATTAINABLE
You should ensure that the goals you set are achievable. Firstly, you must believe that you can manage to do what you are setting out to do. If you set goals
that are not appropriate then it is very unlikely you will achieve them. Hence it will be necessary to review your goals according to the setting i.e. once you
have a
ived in each new clinical area.
RELEVANT
Your goals must be relevant to what you want to achieve in the short term and the long term. Understanding your academic and skill learning needs in
elation to your course objectives is essential. You may have identified a learning need from a previous placement that you would like to achieve in the
next as well as have new skills demonstrated at University that you would now like to practice.
TIMEFRAME
This sometimes overlaps with the goal being Specific, but it aims to ensure that you put a time-frame to your goals. This will be dependant on the duration
of your placement and the skills you aim to practice. You can identify steps in each goal as you are able to work more independently.
The table below will help you complete the above steps and set goals for you placement.
Topic/ Focus Specific
(What is it that you would
like to achieve or be able to
demonstrate?)
Measurements
(How will I Know if I
have achieved my
goal?)
Achievable
(Is this within my
scope of practice and
compatible with the
clinical area?)
Relevant
How does this fit with your
course objectives?
Timeframe
(At what point during my
placement will I aim to achieve
this?)
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