Components of SMART Goal: Address all individual components of the SMART goal.

Overview
Achieving a goal takes planning and commitment. Goals developed using the specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) process can be easily reviewed and implemented. Nurses should understand the process of developing SMART goals because it can be applied to multiple areas of their personal and professional lives. In the quality improvement (QI) process, SMART goals allow you to assess the initiative’s results more clearly.
In this activity, you will complete the missing parts of two SMART goals and create an entire SMART goal for a QI initiative in healthcare. For the QI Initiative in Healthcare SMART goal, choose one of the following scenarios:
Scenario A
The medication administration process in the pediatric office where you work has become quite cumbersome with the addition of two new pediatricians. Additionally, the office recently added vaccine administration for pediatric patients. However, some parents took their children to the health department for vaccine administration. Staff are looking for ways to reduce the risk of administering the wrong medication.
Scenario B
During a recent hospital merger, the birthing services of two hospitals were combined and located at one hospital. While the risk of infant abduction is statistically low, the newly formed hospital wants to ensure that the combined organizations have the safest environment possible for caring for newborns and limit the risk of infant abduction.
Scenario C
In the skilled nursing faculty where you work, the incidence of pressure areas has increased. When you work on the weekends, you find that the preventative measures (heel boots, offloading pressure mattresses) are available but not frequently used.
Scenario D
Patient satisfaction scores have remained unimproved related to patients who report that staff “always” explain about medicines before administering the medication. The nursing department believes it has a new process that will improve this patient satisfaction metric.
Scenario E
A patient determined to be a fall risk was receiving care without any prevention strategies in place. The patient fell, suffered a subdural hematoma, and went to surgery for a craniotomy.
Scenario F
A patient underwent significant abdominal surgery and later was found to have a retained sponge in the abdominal cavity when they were readmitted with pain and sepsis.
This activity will support your work in Project Three as you practice ways to measure success.
Directions
Using the Module Six Activity Template, located in the What to Submit section, complete the missing parts of two SMART goals based on the given topics (Nursing Career and Course Performance). For the final topic, QI Initiative in Healthcare, choose one scenario and create a SMART goal in its entirety. You will also reflect on the role of SMART goals in measuring success.
You must cite at least two current scholarly sources. To be considered current, scholarly sources must have been published within the last five years.
Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
Nursing Career
1. Components of SMART Goal: Address all individual components of the SMART goal.
2. SMART Goal: Write a complete SMART goal using all components. Consider the following in your response:
o Each individual component of the SMART goal
o Clear and concise writing
Course Performance
1. Components of SMART Goal: Address all individual components of the SMART goal.
2. SMART Goal: Write a complete SMART goal using all components. Consider the following in your response:
o Each individual component of the SMART goal
o Clear and concise writing
QI Initiative in Healthcare
1. Components of SMART Goal: Address all individual components of the SMART goal.
2. SMART Goal: Write a complete SMART goal using all components. Consider the following in your response:
o Each individual component of the SMART goal
o Clear and concise writing
Reflection
Explain: Explain what a SMART goal is meant to do. Include the following in your response:
1.
1.
A. Use of SMART goals in the QI process
B. Use of SMART goals in your nursing practice
C. Measurement of SMART goal success

Module Six Activity Template
Name: [Your Name]
Instructor: [Instructor Name]
Date: [Date]
[Complete this template by replacing the bracketed text with the relevant information. Remove this note before you submit this template.]
SMART Goal Example: Patient Care
Describe the Need for the SMART Goal Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time Bound Complete SMART Goal
I need to show more empathy toward my patients. Complete a contact hour of education in patient cultural needs. Pass education contact hour with 95% score. Schedule time on my calendar so I can complete the goal quickly. I will use the knowledge gained from the training by incorporating any identified cultural need in the patient’s plan of care. I will complete it within the next two weeks. I will develop my cultural competence by scheduling time in my calendar to complete a contact hour of training with a test score of 95% within the next two weeks. I will use the knowledge gained from the training by incorporating any identified cultural need in the patient’s plan of care.

Nursing Career
Describe the Need for the SMART Goal Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time Bound Complete SMART Goal
I want to move into a charge nurse position, but I need to finish my BSN degree. Complete all required courses necessary for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at SNHU. Pass all courses with a minimum grade of B. Develop a realistic study schedule, seek academic support when needed, and efficiently manage time between work and study commitments to ensure successful completion within timeframe. [Insert text.] [Insert text.]
[Insert text.]

Course Performance
Describe the Need for the SMART Goal Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time Bound Complete SMART Goal
To complete this course with an “A,” I must meet all of the assignment requirements. Achieve an “A” grade in this course by consistently demonstrating mastery of course content, participating actively in discussions, and completing assignments with a high level of understanding. [Insert text.] [Insert text.] Attaining an “A” grade will not only contribute to personal academic achievements but also enhance nursing knowledge and skills, ultimately leading to better patient care. Successfully achieve an “A” grade in this course by the end of the term, as indicated by the course completion date Regularly assess progress and adjust the study plan as needed throughout the term. [Insert text.]

QI Initiative in Healthcare
Scenario Chosen Describe the Need for the SMART Goal Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time Bound Complete SMART Goal
[insert letter here] [Insert text.] [Insert text.] [Insert text.] [Insert text.] [Insert text.] [Insert text.] [Insert text.]

Reflection
[Insert text.]
References
[Insert text.]
[Insert text.]
[Insert additional references if needed.]

Last Completed Projects