SMART Goals for Clinical Excellence: A PMHNP’s Guide to Professional Development

SMART Goals PMHNP

 

For this assignment, you will work on setting goals for yourself using the SMART method. You will find an explanation of this method in the module that will guide you in your goal-setting process. You will list a minimum of five professional goals that you would like to accomplish during the clinical experience in this term. For each goal, you must provide an explanation of how the goal is representative of each of the SMART characteristics: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely. Be sure to answer the following questions for each goal summary: Can you measure it? Is it attainable? Is it realistic? What is the time frame you have set for completing that goal?

Format: Each goal summary should be at least 100 words – totaling 500 words for this assignment (added to the speaker notes). The presentation is original work and logically organized, formatted, and cited in the current APA style, including citation of references.  The presentation should consist of 10-15 slides (excluding the introduction and reference page).

How to Format a PowerPoint Presentation in APA StyleLinks to an external site. Goodwin University. (2019, October).  APA style – 7th edition. https://goodwin.libguides.com/c.php?g=29109&p=7298502

This Assignment must be submitted to Turnitin.

Grading Rubric

Your assignment will be graded according to the grading rubric.

SMART Goals Rubric

Criteria
Ratings
Points

Specific To set a specific goal you must answer the 6 Ws: Who? Who is involved? What? What would I like to accomplish? Where? Where is this happening? When? When do I start/finish? Which? Identify requirements and constraints Why? Why am I doing this? Specific reasons, purpose or benefits!
Exemplary – 6-8 points The goal is personal and identifies areas of weakness in clinical practice. The goal is detailed and clearly focused on the specific skills, behaviors, and/or knowledge outlined in the course objectives.
Distinguished – 4-5 points The goal is personal and identifies areas of weakness in clinical practice. There is a lack of focus and detail on the specific skills, behaviors, and/or knowledge outlined in the course objectives.
Developing – 1-3 points The goal is personal and identifies areas of weakness in clinical practice. Details on the specific skills, behaviors and/or knowledge outlined in the course objectives are not provided.
Novice – 0 points The goal is general and does not address areas of weakness in clinical practice. The goal displays no specificity, is general and vague.
8 points

Measurable Goals may have several short-term and on-going measurements so that you can see how you are doing in your aim to achieve your goal. A non-measurable goal: I want to learn how to sing. A measurable goal: I want to learn 5 arias by Friday, November 12th
Exemplary – 6-8 points Measures have been identified that will demonstrate learning, results, and/or progress as related to the described goal.
Distinguished – 4-5 points A method of measuring has been identified but it does not directly link to or connect with the described go.
Developing – 1-3 points The method listed for measurement is rather general and does not directly link to or connect with the described goal.
Novice – 0 points Not at all measurable – no method of measurement indicated.
8 points

Achievable/Ambitious A goal should stretch you slightly so you feel you can do it, and it will need a real commitment from you. Think about what is achievable and what you want to do.
Exemplary – 6-8 points The goal set forth is realistic, motivating, challenging, and can be achievable within the term. There is a clear process described to support achievability.
Distinguished – 4-5 points The goal set forth is realistic; however, the achievability may not require much challenge, or the achievability may be incredibly challenging to achieve within the term. The process is mentioned but lacks clarity.
Developing – 1-3 points The goal is realistic, however the time frame does not support success. There is no process that supports achievability.
Novice – 0 points The goal is not at all within reason and cannot be achieved.
8 points

Relevant Realistic goals should have you push you, but not break you!
Exemplary – 6-8 points The goal has a strong connection to the course objectives, the student’s history, current interests, and/or demonstrated abilities.
Distinguished – 4-5 points The goal has some connection to the course objectives, the student’s history, current interests and/or demonstrated abilities.
Developing – 1-3 points The goal has only a slight connection to the course objectives, the student’s history, current interests and/or demonstrated abilities.
Novice – 0 points The goal has no connection to the course objectives.
8 points

Timely What is your time frame? Putting an end to your goal, or target dates to work towards, gives you a sense of accomplishment as you move toward achieving your goal. With a time frame comes more commitment to achievement!
Exemplary – 8-9 points The goal has a definite date of what will be accomplished by this date and is linked to the measurables. Is within the time frame of this term.
Distinguished – 6-7 points The goal has an indefinite date of what will be accomplished by this date and is linked to the measurables. It is within the time frame of this term.
Developing – 1-5 points The goal has an indefinite date of what will be accomplished by this date but does not link to the measurables.
Novice – 0 points Has no dates and/or is over a period far beyond this term.
8 points

Use of Citations, Writing Mechanics and APA Formatting Guidelines
Exemplary – 4-5 points References page contains more than required current scholarly academic reference and text reference.. Follows APA guidelines of components: double space, 12 pt. font, abstract, level headings, hanging indent. Rules of grammar, usage and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct.
Distinguished – 3 points References page contains one current scholarly academic resource and text reference. Follows most APA guidelines of components: double space, 12 pt. font, abstract, level headings, hanging indent. Few grammatical errors, but sentences could be clearer and more precise.
Developing – 1-2 points References page contains one current or outdated scholarly academic resource. Many errors of APA guidelines: double space, 12 pt. font, abstract, level headings, hanging indent. Paper contains few grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors.
Novice – 0 points References page contains no current scholarly academic resources, only internet webpages or no reference page. Lack of APA guidelines for references provided. Paper contains numerous grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors.
5 points

PowerPoint Slides
Exemplary – 4-5 points PowerPoint presentation contains 10-15 slides. All parts of the assignment are completed fully and described in the PowerPoint presentation in detail.
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

To create SMART goals for a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) during a clinical experience term, we will set five goals that are **Specific**, **Measurable**, **Achievable**, **Relevant**, and **Timely**. Each goal will address a critical area for professional development and provide a detailed explanation of how it aligns with the SMART criteria.

### 1. Goal: Improve Diagnostic Accuracy in Psychiatric Assessments

**Specific:** I want to enhance my ability to accurately diagnose mental health conditions based on clinical presentations during patient assessments. This goal will focus on refining my differential diagnosis skills for conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

**Measurable:** I will track my progress by reviewing patient outcomes and feedback from my supervising clinician. I aim to achieve a diagnostic accuracy rate of at least 85% by the end of the term, as measured by the alignment of my initial assessments with final diagnoses confirmed by my supervisor.

**Achievable:** This goal is attainable through consistent practice, supervision, and by dedicating time each week to review diagnostic criteria, case studies, and DSM-5 guidelines.

**Relevant:** Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning and patient care in psychiatric settings, aligning with the core competencies for PMHNPs and course objectives focusing on clinical decision-making.

**Timely:** I will achieve this goal by the end of the clinical term, with progress reviews every two weeks to ensure continuous improvement.

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### 2. Goal: Develop Proficiency in Psychopharmacological Management

**Specific:** I want to improve my knowledge and application of psychopharmacology to manage patients effectively, particularly those with complex medication regimens, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics.

**Measurable:** My progress will be measured by successfully creating and implementing medication plans for at least 10 patients, with a 90% adherence rate to the plans over the term. Feedback from patients and my supervising clinician will also serve as indicators of proficiency.

**Achievable:** This goal is realistic, given access to supervision, clinical resources, and ongoing education on psychopharmacological interventions provided during the clinical experience.

**Relevant:** Proficiency in medication management is essential for PMHNPs to provide comprehensive care, especially in managing psychiatric conditions that require pharmacological interventions.

**Timely:** I will work towards this goal throughout the clinical term, with bi-weekly reflections and adjustments based on patient feedback and clinical supervisor evaluations.

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### 3. Goal: Enhance Communication Skills with Patients and Interdisciplinary Teams

**Specific:** I aim to improve my communication skills to effectively convey treatment plans, educate patients on their conditions, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care.

**Measurable:** Improvement will be assessed through patient satisfaction surveys, peer feedback, and at least three instances of successful interdisciplinary collaboration documented and reviewed by the end of the term.

**Achievable:** This goal is achievable by actively engaging in patient education, seeking feedback from peers and supervisors, and participating in team meetings to practice and refine communication strategies.

**Relevant:** Effective communication is vital for establishing trust with patients, ensuring compliance with treatment plans, and fostering teamwork, aligning with PMHNP core competencies and course objectives.

**Timely:** The goal will be pursued throughout the term, with specific milestones set for mid-term and end-of-term evaluations.

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### 4. Goal: Increase Confidence in Conducting Psychotherapy Sessions

**Specific:** I want to gain confidence and skill in conducting psychotherapy sessions, focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to address anxiety and substance use disorders.

**Measurable:** I will measure my progress by successfully conducting at least 15 psychotherapy sessions using CBT and MI techniques, with feedback from my supervising clinician indicating at least an 80% competency level by the end of the term.

**Achievable:** This goal is attainable with the support of clinical supervision, targeted training sessions, and self-reflection on each session’s effectiveness.

**Relevant:** Conducting psychotherapy is a key role for PMHNPs, particularly in managing patients with mental health and substance use disorders, and is a direct objective of the clinical course.

**Timely:** I aim to achieve this goal by the end of the term, with incremental progress checks every month to ensure consistent development.

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### 5. Goal: Master Clinical Documentation Skills

**Specific:** I want to improve my clinical documentation skills to ensure they are clear, concise, and compliant with legal and professional standards, focusing on electronic health records (EHR) used in psychiatric settings.

**Measurable:** My goal will be measured by the accuracy and completeness of my clinical notes, as reviewed by my supervising clinician. I aim for an error rate of less than 5% by the end of the term.

**Achievable:** This goal is achievable by following the documentation guidelines provided in the clinical setting, attending workshops, and reviewing sample documentation provided by my supervisors.

**Relevant:** Mastery of clinical documentation is essential for legal compliance, quality patient care, and effective communication within the healthcare team, aligning with PMHNP standards and course objectives.

**Timely:** The goal will be met by the end of the clinical term, with progress assessments every two weeks to allow for continuous improvement.

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These SMART goals provide a structured and strategic approach to professional development as a PMHNP during the clinical experience. By setting clear, measurable, and achievable goals, and regularly assessing progress, these goals will help ensure a successful and productive term.

 

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