SMART goals in nursing involve establishing specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound goals. Following the SMART framework for establishing goals in nursing school and beyond can help you stay motivated and on track toward achieving personal and professional growth.
The prospect of going back to school to earn a nursing degree is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. Establishing SMART goals in nursing school can help you stay on track and reach your new career. You can maintain your motivation, avoid unreasonable expectations and enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you achieve your goals.
If you’re looking for a nursing program designed to support students, look no further than Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU). Our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program features tutoring services, faculty mentoring and Academic Success Coaches to help you achieve your goals. If you already hold a completed non-nursing degree or have existing college credits, you may be eligible to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing at NDMU in as few as 15 months.
Before heading off to nursing school, you’ll want to take a closer look at some goal-setting tips. Discover why SMART goals are important for nursing students and nurses alike, and consider some examples of SMART goals in nursing to develop your own.
What Are SMART Goals in Nursing?
SMART goals in any field are established according to the SMART principles. SMART is an acronym for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable (or achievable)
- Relevant
- Timely (or time-bound)
By establishing goals according to the SMART framework, you may be more likely to achieve them. SMART goals are specific. That is, instead of simply stating something like, “I would like to do well in nursing school,” you would establish a goal to score 90% or higher on your next nursing exam.
Measurable goals allow you to track your progress. They feature milestones and well-defined endpoints. For example, the goal of becoming a nurse has the following milestones: gaining admission to nursing school, graduating from nursing school, passing the NCLEX-RN and accepting a nursing job.
An attainable goal is one that is achievable, meaning that you should set realistic expectations. Similarly, if your goal is too large, such as becoming a nurse, you should divide it into smaller goals.
Ensuring that your goals are relevant is also important in nursing school and in your career. If you set goals that are relevant to your professional development, you can sustain your motivation over time as you work toward your long-term vision.
Lastly, your goals should be timely, or time-sensitive. Establish deadlines to hold yourself accountable for accomplishing each goal.
Prospective nursing students can benefit from some friendly advice on what they should know before pursuing a BSN.
Why Do SMART Goals Matter for Nursing Students?
Why set SMART goals when you’re navigating nursing school? There are several reasons why setting SMART goals can benefit your nursing education and your future career.
Sustains Your Motivation
Nursing school can be challenging. Although NDMU offers extensive student support to facilitate your progress, you may find it helpful to establish SMART goals as a means of upholding your motivation throughout your education. Breaking down a big goal, such as graduating from nursing school, into smaller goals can also help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Plus, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction that comes from crossing off goals that you’ve achieved.
Provides Accountability
In nursing school and throughout your career, you’ll need to hold yourself accountable for your own professional development and long-term success. Establishing SMART goals allows you to track and measure your progress. If you’re struggling to meet your goals, you can identify roadblocks and brainstorm solutions. Your Academic Success Coach can help you navigate any challenges you have in nursing school, as well.
Improves Your Chances of Success
Lastly, establishing SMART goals in nursing school can improve your chances of succeeding. Looking ahead in your education and career to develop reasonable and relevant goals ensures that you are prepared for every next step and can more easily adjust your plans as needed.
How to Establish SMART Goals in Nursing
There are many ways to construct SMART goals, but perhaps the simplest approach begins with a brainstorm. Take a few minutes to write down everything that comes to mind when you envision the concept of success in nursing school or as a professional nurse.
Next, consider everything you've written down. Choose one statement or phrase that feels most important to you. Modify it as needed to express a specific achievement. If it's a major achievement, such as graduating from nursing school, break it down into individual milestones.
Once you’ve identified a specific goal that is relevant to your needs, set a measurement to assess progress. How will you know when you’ve achieved it? Will you need to earn a specific score or surpass a certain GPA? Determine when you’ll need to achieve your goal by and the specific actions you’ll take to accomplish it.
You may also find it helpful to communicate your goal to others who can hold you accountable for achieving it. If you form a study group within your nursing cohort, you could discuss it with them while encouraging the other members to develop their own SMART goals. Each study group meeting could offer an opportunity to share progress reports and navigate challenges together.
Nursing SMART Goals: Examples to Consider
As a nursing student, a couple of examples of SMART goals you could set include:
I will master the technique for placing IV lines, as measured by successful placement in five simulated attempts. To achieve this goal, I will spend extra time in the skills lab and ask my instructor for additional help. This goal is relevant to my career because it’s an essential patient care skill. I must master this skill before my next clinical rotation, during which I will be placing IV lines in real-life patients.
I will pass the NCLEX-RN on my first attempt by beginning to prepare during the first semester of nursing school. I will study at least two hours per week, answer one to five practice questions each day, attend group study sessions each week and take three full-length practice exams.
As a professional nurse, you might set SMART goals such as:
I will improve my cultural competence and learn how to better serve the needs of diverse patients within the next six months by completing relevant training programs, including workshops and online courses.
I will improve my mental health and emotional resilience this year by spending at least five hours per week on self-care activities and participating in mental health counseling sessions.
Do you meet these nursing school requirements?
Reach Your Goals at NDMU
Notre Dame of Maryland University offers a faster pathway to a nursing career, providing plenty of support along the way. We support your progress through faculty mentoring, small class sizes, Academic Success Coaches and hands-on, immersive learning experiences. Our students can also avail themselves of our tutoring services whenever they could use some extra help.
Get started at NDMU and choose from online or on campus coursework while benefiting from a values-based nursing education. Contact an admissions advisor today to review your eligibility.