SMART goals in nursing are a framework for setting clear, achievable, and specific objectives in patient care and professional development. The acronym SMART stands for:
- Specific: The goal should be clear and specific, outlining exactly what needs to be accomplished.
- Measurable: The goal should include criteria to track progress and determine when the goal has been met.
- Achievable: The goal should be realistic and attainable given the resources and time available.
- Relevant: The goal should be pertinent to the patient’s care plan or the nurse’s professional responsibilities.
- Time-bound: The goal should have a deadline or time frame for completion.
Examples of SMART Goals in Nursing:
- Patient Care Goal:
- Specific: Improve a patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Measurable: Increase the patient’s self-care score from 3/10 to 7/10 on the daily assessment scale.
- Achievable: Provide physical therapy three times a week.
- Relevant: The goal aligns with the patient’s treatment plan for rehabilitation.
- Time-bound: Achieve this improvement within the next 4 weeks.
- Professional Development Goal:
- Specific: Complete a certification in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).
- Measurable: Pass the ACLS certification exam.
- Achievable: Set aside 2 hours per week for study and review.
- Relevant: Enhances the nurse’s skills to handle emergency cardiac situations.
- Time-bound: Obtain certification within 3 months.
SMART goals help nurses stay focused, measure outcomes, and promote quality patient care and professional growth.