Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN Degree) Practice Exam

SMART goals are a framework used in nursing and many other fields to set clear and achievable objectives. The acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This structure helps nurses and healthcare providers create clear and actionable goals for patient care, ensuring that objectives are well-defined and can be tracked over time.

- Specific means that the goal clearly defines what is to be achieved, removing ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "improve patient health," a specific goal would be "increase the patient's mobility to walk 100 feet with assistance."

- Measurable indicates that there are criteria in place to assess progress and determine whether the goal has been met. This could involve using scales, assessments, or observations to track improvement.

- Achievable ensures that the goal is realistic and attainable, considering the patient's condition and resources available. Setting an achievable goal helps in motivating both the patient and the healthcare provider.

- Relevant means that the goal is pertinent to the patient’s overall care plan and takes into consideration their personal health needs and preferences.

- Time-bound sets a deadline for when the goal should be achieved, helping to create urgency and focus for both patients and healthcare professionals.

By incorporating these five elements, nursing professionals can establish comprehensive