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?)
www.executive-and-life-coaching.com ( adapted from)
http:
www.executive-and-life-coaching.com
Name of student Violet Choonga
Assignment 2: Part A
Smart Goals:
My goals in NUR344 is to improve my communication skill while practising as a student nurse. I believe and understand that creating a good rapport with clients is one of the ways of providing holistic care for them. I am well aware of the nursing code of ethics and proper communication and understanding of patient’s needs is one of the most important aspects to prevent cases of negligence which have huge ethical concerns. I will therefore strive to improve my communication skills to ensure proper documentation which is also essential when it comes to follow-up of patients’ needs.
The above goal is expected to meet the SMART criteria as it is going to be aligning with the following guidelines
Specific-
Improve my professional communication skills by ensuring accountability and professionalism while handling patients as expected by the registered nurse code of conduct in a community set up in a health center.
Measurable-
My communication skills will be measured both by the interim and the final ANAST which is expected to draw from various communication skills aspects such as nonve
al communication, written communication, active listening and my presentation of communication skills. I am expecting to be rated as meeting expectation when my assessment will b conducted at the end of the training. I am also expecting to score high in my examinations when my communication skills will be tested as well. This will allow me to continue striving for exceptional nursing care for my patients while satisfying all the conditions set by ANSAT.
Attainable-
As a student nurse, it is expected of me to be able to work well with my supervisor as well as with my patients. This needs proper communication skills to ensure proper clinical decisions while displaying professionalism and accountability as expected by the code of ethics. My goal for proper communication skills is attainable. I am equipped with the relevant skills that will allow me to assess the condition of the patient at any time while doing clinical rounds. In that regard, I will be evaluating my goals with my supervisor to ensure that at the end of the training I have attained the recommended communication skills and meeting expectations as required. I, therefore, believe that using my already acquired communication skills I am in a position to address patients’ concerns through proper communication skills.
Relevant-
The communication skill goal is one of the most relevant tools that a registered nurse must acquire in this unit. According to the Australian Nursing Standard Tool, the communication skill must align with the goals as shown below;
Ensure that there is proper evaluation of relevant literature that is helping in the delivery of quality practice. Ensure and demonstrate proper communication skills about health education to ensure proper decision-making and collaborate and construct plans as expected by client assessment.
Timeframe-
This plan is to be achieved within the 160 hours of professional placement. The first week will be aimed at creating a good rapport with the patients to test my communication skills. The remaining weeks will be dedicated to ensuring that I achieve all the milestones as guided by ANSAT.