SMART goal Essay - 1 SMART Goal NSG/301 May 2 2016 2 SMART...

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SMART Goal
NSG/301
May 2, 2016

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SMART Goal
Strengthening Professional Communication Skills is the SMART goal I identified to
improve. Communication skills is a desirable learning goal for all nurses and healthcare
professionals to improve patient care and satisfaction (Judd 2013). Several different components
are required to attain excellent communication skills. A crucial part of achieving this objective is
developing a well thought out, highly detailed scheme based on the SMART Goal Achievement
Plan model (Carter, Bishop, and Kravits, 2011). I will use this plan to guide an operational
pathway of achieving my goal of improving my ability to communicate in an efficient manner.
Defining the goal
Improving professional communication skills is a valuable goal that I would like to
achieve, and I believe that this is an essential skill and relevant to my career as nursing is
dependent on strong communication skills. According to Bramhall (2014), "Effective
communication is a core skill for all healthcare professionals and nursing staff in particular since
nurses spend more time with patients and relatives than any other healthcare professional" (p. 59).
Successfully discussing end of life care, medication and discharge instructions to patients and their
families are my specific areas where my communication abilities need assistance. Multiple
educational resources are required for developing strong communication skills and include formal
instruction and teaching from colleagues and staff. (Goldsmith & Wittenberg-Lyles, 2013).
Reaching my goal
In the nursing profession, one method in which communication skills can be improved
upon is through involvement in formal classroom instruction. I have been fortunate enough to
have participated in an evidenced-based communication skills training workshop which was
developed by my institution. This workshop was specifically designed to help nurses talk to
patients. The assignment of a mentor who will provide additional guidance in reaching my goal

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was included as part of the workshop. Further participation in these type of programs and peer
assistance are included in the plan of reaching my goal.