Especially in an Accelerated BSN track like Mercer’s, setting and achieving goals and milestones is incredibly important to your success. Discover more about SMART goals for nursing students, and see how making your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based can help you throughout your nursing education and beyond.
Nursing school involves a rigorous education that requires dedication and hard work. As a nursing student, you will develop essential skills and apply your knowledge in real-world clinical settings. Mercer University’s 12-month Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track is designed to be challenging and rewarding, providing a focused and efficient pathway to becoming a registered nurse.
With the right strategies and mindset, you can succeed in an accelerated nursing program and begin a rewarding career as a nurse. One of the most effective methods for success in nursing school is to set SMART goals. By structuring your objectives around the SMART framework, you can stay focused, motivated, and organized throughout your nursing education. What exactly are SMART goals for nursing students, and how can you implement them during your time as an ABSN student? This post will explore how you can apply this framework while pursuing your nursing degree and beyond.
What Are SMART Goals in Nursing?
The SMART framework in nursing is designed to help individuals set clear and attainable goals, enhancing their chances of success. SMART is an acronym for five criteria against which you can check your potential goals. The components of the acronym stand for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Achieving success as a nursing student, especially during the 12-month curriculum in Mercer’s ABSN track, is not only about hard work. It also requires prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and utilizing available resources such as tutoring centers, study groups, and online educational tools. These strategies combined with setting SMART goals can transform the challenges of nursing school into manageable tasks. Here, we will further break down each component of the SMART framework.
Attention to detail and managing stress are crucial to creating and following through on SMART goals. See other key skills for nursing students.
Specific
A specific goal is clear and detailed. It answers the questions of who, what, where, when, and why. For example, instead of saying, "I want to improve my grades," a specific goal would be, "I want to increase my exam scores by 10% over the next month by studying for an additional two hours daily." Specific goals eliminate ambiguity and provide a clear direction.
Measurable
Measurable goals include criteria for tracking progress and determining when the goal is achieved. This involves setting benchmarks or indicators of success. For instance, "I will work toward answering 80% of my practice questions correctly" provides a concrete way to measure improvement. Measuring progress can keep you motivated and allows for adjustments in your approach if necessary.
Achievable
Achievable goals are realistic and attainable. They should stretch your abilities but still be possible to accomplish with effort and resources. Setting a goal to "complete all assignments for the semester without missing deadlines" is achievable with proper planning and dedication. Goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic can frustrate rather than help, while those that are too easy do not push you to grow and develop.
Relevant
Relevant goals align with your broader objectives and career aspirations. They should be meaningful and pertinent to your success in nursing school. An example of a relevant goal relating to labs or clinical rotations might be to "gain proficiency in patient assessment skills, which are crucial for my future role as a registered nurse." Relevant goals ensure you are investing your time and energy in areas that will benefit you in the future.
Time-Bound
Time-bound goals have a clear deadline or timeframe, creating a sense of urgency and prompting action. For example, "I will complete a first draft of my paper before the day of the deadline" sets a specific time frame for completion and can prevent procrastination. Deadlines help you stay focused while ensuring your efforts are consistent over time.
Using the SMART Framework as a Nursing Student
Applying the SMART framework to reach your goals in nursing school can significantly enhance your productivity and success. You can start by determining your goals in your nursing track. This could range from academic performance to skill development or career preparation. Reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement to set meaningful goals. Mercer instructors are accessible to students throughout their time in the program, so feel free to share your goals and see if you can get advice on how to achieve them.
Try breaking your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks to complete step by step. Track your achievements to reflect on your progress over time. Breaking down goals prevents feeling overwhelmed and allows for incremental successes that build confidence. Develop a detailed action plan, including deadlines and checkpoints to monitor your progress.
Lastly, be prepared to adjust your goals and plans as needed. Don’t get down on yourself if you need to adjust a goal, and don’t hesitate to seek support from peers, mentors, or instructors. By systematically applying the SMART framework, nursing students can create a structured approach to better achieve academic success and develop professional competencies.
Examples of SMART Goals in Nursing School
With an understanding of SMART goals and how they can be applied in your time as a nursing student, we will review a few examples of how you might break down a nursing student’s goal into the SMART framework.
Time Management Goal
Specific: I will create and follow a weekly study schedule.
Measurable: I will use a planner to track my adherence to the schedule and adjust as necessary.
Achievable: I will set realistic study hours, balancing them with my other responsibilities.
Relevant: Effective time management will improve my overall academic performance and reduce stress before deadlines.
Time-Bound: I will implement this schedule starting next week and review my results monthly.
Health and Wellness Goal
Specific: I will engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
Measurable: I will log my exercise routines and monitor my fitness levels.
Achievable: I will choose activities I enjoy and can fit into my schedule, such as jogging or yoga.
Relevant: Maintaining physical health is crucial for managing the stress and demands of nursing school.
Time-Bound: I will establish this routine over the next three months and evaluate its impact on my well-being.
Wondering what comes next after graduating nursing school? See the steps you will take to transition from graduation into a nursing career.
Ready to Focus on Nursing as Your Goal?
Setting and working toward SMART goals for nursing students allows you to navigate your education with greater clarity and confidence. These goals provide a clear roadmap for academic and personal development, ultimately setting you up for success in your future nursing career. If you want to earn your BSN through an accredited and supportive 12-month track, Mercer University may be the right choice for you. Contact us today to speak to an enrollment counselor and begin your nursing journey.