SMART Goals for Nursing

Prepared by: [YOUR NAME]

A. SMART Criteria

SMART	Details
Specific	Goal: Enhance patient care by reducing the medication administration error rate. Detail: Focus on double-checking all medication orders and using barcode scanning technology for every patient medication administration.
Measurable	Goal: Achieve a 20% reduction in medication administration errors. Detail: Track the error rate monthly using internal incident reports and compare the results to baseline metrics established at the start of the goal-setting period.
Achievable	Goal: Train 100% of nursing staff on the new double-check and barcode scanning procedures within the next three months. Detail: Schedule training sessions, ensure attendance, and assess competency through practical examinations.
Relevant	Goal: Improve nursing efficiency and patient safety, aligning with the hospital's commitment to excellence in patient care. Detail: Reducing medication errors directly contributes to improved patient outcomes and increases trust in nursing practices.
Time-bound	Goal: Complete all training and reduce medication error rates by 20% within six months from the start date. Detail: Set a clear timeline to regularly review progress, report updates monthly, and adjust strategies as needed to ensure timely achievement of the goals.

B. Action Plan

1. Develop Training Materials

   • Responsibility: Training Coordinator

   • Deadline: [DATE]

   • Detail: Create comprehensive training materials on double-checking procedures and barcode scanning technology.

2. Schedule Training Sessions

   • Responsibility: Scheduling Officer

   • Deadline: [DATE]

   • Detail: Organize training sessions for all nursing staff, ensuring minimal disruption to patient care.

3. Conduct Training

   • Responsibility: Trainers

   • Deadline: [DATE]

   • Detail: Deliver training sessions and provide hands-on practice with new procedures.

4. Assess Competency

   • Responsibility: Training Coordinator

   • Deadline: [DATE]

   • Detail: Evaluate staff competency through practical exams and feedback sessions.

5. Monitor Error Rates

   • Responsibility: Quality Improvement Team

   • Deadline: Monthly

   • Detail: Review and analyze medication error reports to track progress toward the 20% reduction goal.

6. Adjust Strategies

   • Responsibility: Nursing Leadership

   • Deadline: Monthly

   • Detail: Assess progress, identify barriers, and adjust training or procedures as needed.

C. Accountability

1. Training Coordinator

   • Responsibilities: Develop materials, oversee training sessions, and assess staff competency.

   • Reporting: Provide monthly updates to Nursing Leadership on training progress and issues.

2. Scheduling Officer

   • Responsibilities: Coordinate training schedules and ensure all staff attend.

   • Reporting: Report attendance and scheduling issues to the Training Coordinator.

3. Quality Improvement Team

   • Responsibilities: Monitor and analyze medication error rates.

   • Reporting: Present monthly error rate reports and improvement recommendations to Nursing Leadership.

4. Nursing Leadership

   • Responsibilities: Oversee implementation, review progress, and make strategic adjustments.

   • Reporting: Review monthly reports and provide feedback to relevant teams.

D. Notes

• Baseline Metrics: Ensure baseline error rates are accurately documented before initiating the goal-setting period.

• Training Feedback: Collect feedback from staff on the training process to identify any areas for improvement.

• Technology Issues: Address any technical issues with barcode scanning promptly to prevent disruptions in the error reduction process.

E. Additional Details

1. Resources Required

• Training Materials: Prepare detailed guides and procedures.

• Technology: Ensure barcode scanning equipment is fully functional and available.

• Staff Time: Allocate time for training without affecting patient care.

2. Evaluation Criteria

• Error Rate Reduction: Achieve and maintain a 20% reduction in medication errors.

• Staff Competency: 100% of staff must demonstrate proficiency in new procedures.

3. Review Schedule

• Monthly Reviews: Conduct regular meetings to review progress, discuss challenges, and adjust plans as needed.

• Final Review: Assess overall success and areas for further improvement at the six-month mark.

Smart Goals Templates @ Template.net