SMART Goals

Learning Goal 1

Learning Needs:

To improve my confidence and proficiency as a nurse, I would like to perfect my head-to-toe 

assessments this semester. I am familiar with the process, however would like to complete it 

effortlessly. I am particularly interested in assessing the valves, as I do not have experience with 

this aspect.

Learning Goal:

I will demonstrate improved head-to-toe assessments, specifying valve names and landmarks, in 

a smooth and effortless manner, by the end of shift on May 16/25. I will continue to do this every 

shift with the support and feedback from my clinical instructor and assigned nurse. 

Learning Activities and Timelines:

1. I will achieve this goal at the end of shift on May 16, 2025.

2. I will complete a head-to-toe assessment each morning on my assigned patient(s).

3. I will ask my clinical instructor and assigned nurse to confirm or deny my findings, 

learning from this feedback for future improvement.

What principle of the Code of Conduct align with your goal?

Principle 3: Nurses provide safe and competent care

Learning Goal 2

Learning Needs:

As a Clinical Extern, I have removed many catheters, however I have not performed 

catheterization on a person, only in lab. I have prepared by watching videos, attending multiple 

open labs during acute NURS3020, watching nurses, and would like to experience inserting a 

catheter this semester.

Learning Goal:

I will perform successful catheterization on a patient(s) by the end of my chronic placement on 

June 6/25 using the techniques I learned in lab and with direction from my assigned nurse and 

clinical instructor.

Learning Activities and Timelines:

1. I will book time in open lab from now until my OSCE on June 4/25, at which time I will 

practice the sterilization technique and insertion.

2. I will watch HUB clinical skill videos, and you tube videos for more learning.

3. I will discuss the procedure with my clinical instructor and assigned nurse.

What principle of the Code of Conduct align with your goal?

Principle 1: Nurses respect clients’ dignity

Principle 3: Nurses provide safe and competent care

Learning Goal 3

Learning Needs:

I would like to learn about the stroke process. I would like to learn about strokes in the acute 

phase and how the patient progresses to discharge from A2.

Learning Goal:

I will participate in the admission process of a patient who has experienced an acute stroke and 

review the timeline of a patient who is approaching discharge, prior to end of shift on May 23/25.

Learning Activities and Timelines:

1. I will express interest in assisting with an admission to my nurses at the beginning of the 

shift.

2. I will ask my nurses to explain the process of healing from a stroke, from admission to 

discharge. If the opportunity presents itself with a patient in my circle of care, I will review 

flowsheets and notes to understand the timeline of events.

3. I will review online sources, such as stroke websites, to educate myself on this process.

What principle of the Code of Conduct aligns with your goal?

Principle 3: Nurses provide safe and competent care

Principle 5: Nurses act with integrity in clients’ best interest

Learning Goal 4

Learning Needs:

I have practiced drawing up medications and administering IM and SC injections in lab. I have 

only administered one SC injection and would really like the opportunity to administer more with 

the support of my clinical instructor.

Learning Goal:

I will successfully draw up and administer and IM and/or SC injections and administer to people 

before end of shift on May 23/25 under the direction of my assigned nurse and clinical instructor.

Learning Activities and Timelines:

1. I will review videos and resources to prepare for IM and SC medication administration.

2. I will prepare a drug card for the medication(s) I am going to administer, being sure to 

obtain full details and understanding.

3. I will use resources on SharePoint to confirm PRHC’s policies on administration of 

medication.

4. I will review, and perform, the rights of medication administration.

What principle of the Code of Conduct align with your goal?

Principle 3: Nurses provide safe and competent care

Principle 6: Nurses maintain public confidence in the nursing profession

Learning Goal 5

Learning Needs:

During my first two shifts I have communicated with patients who are non-verbal resulting from a 

stroke. I do not feel I do this successfully. I would like to learn from the unit nurses, my clinical 

instructor, and my peers, how to effectively communicate in these situations. This is a very 

important skill for my future practice, regardless of where I work.

Learning Goal:

I will have a developing understanding of ways to communicate with non-verbal patients by 

May 23/25, with the support of my nurse and clinical instructor.

Learning Activities and Timelines:

1. I will observe and ask for advice from each nurse I work with. I recognize that each nurse 

could have their own techniques, all of which could help me.

2. I will ask my clinical instructor for advice, as well as suggestions regarding my 

techniques.

3. I will watch resources online, such as YouTube, to begin my understanding.

4. I will participate in presentations by the Stroke Educator and Speech Language Pathology.

What principle of the Code of Conduct aligns with your goal?

Principle 5: Nurses act with integrity in clients’ best interest

Principle 4: Nurses work respectfully with the health care team to best meet clients’ needs