SMART Goal Examples
The following examples illustrate how specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely can
be incorporated into goals – whether organizational or developmental.
S example, Safety: I will use policies and guidelines to construct an updated
patient and employee safety and hazard checklist. The list will be checked by
every employee on a rotating basis once per month. The list will be
completed by ________(later this year). It will be measured monthly
whether it is being completed by all employees.
M example, Patient Care: I will hand over or complete patient details, care
instructions and assessment notes before my shift ends. I will need to do this
before every break to ensure patient details are noted and specific
instructions are followed. This also will help other employees to understand
areas of interest for patients to build a rapport, for example.
A example, Efficiency: Following weekly meetings, I will document my
additional tasks so that I can effectively divide up my time to manage all of
my duties. This will help me to improve my time management and delegate
or ask for help if, and whenever possible.
R example, Accuracy: As soon as I leave a patient, I will chart all my notes
about our interaction while they’re still fresh in my mind. This will help me to
streamline the shift handover or to be sure that I am not forgetting to make
important notes before moving on to the next patient or task.
T example, Learning & Development: By the end of this year, I want to
attend [number] training sessions that are geared towards my current
specialty, another field of interest and/or was suggested by my manager.
One session may be added that is about an unfamiliar aspect of my role or a
similar role.
S.M.A.R.T. Goal Examples
The following goals illustrate how to take a simple goal statement and transform it into a
SMART goal statement:
Rather than: I want to get better at listening.
How about: SMART goal: I will pay close attention to what my patients and coworkers tell
me. If I do not understand, I will ask them to clarify. I will focus on them instead of thinking
about what I want to say next. I will repeat what I heard for understanding and I will ask my
colleagues throughout the year to rate my listening skills.
Rather than: I want to get better at explaining things to patients.
How about: SMART goal: I will learn the layman’s terms for complicated medical jargon so that
I can communicate more easily with patients. Instead of using technical language, I will explain
things in terms people can understand. I will practice using this jargon with my peers and
manager.
Rather than: I want to be more culturally sensitive.
How about: SMART goal: I will ask each patient if I need to be aware of any cultural beliefs or
norms while in charge of their care. I will also seek feedback from coworkers regarding cultural
sensitivity. I will read about best practices when it comes to working with and caring for others
with different cultural norms and beliefs.
Rather than: I want to make my patients happy.
How about: SMART goal: I will work to put my patients at ease by finding out what helps them
to relax. I will make sure that I meet certain parameters in offering them care each time I speak
with them.
Rather than: I want to decrease patient wait time.
How about SMART goal: I will complete patient intake procedures in a timely manner. I will be
efficient when weighing patients and asking them preliminary questions. I will try to see them
quickly without making them feel rushed. About halfway through making this adjustment, I will
ask others about my improvement or review documentation that identifies wait times.
Rather than: I want to do more hands-on procedures.
How about: SMART goal: I will complete a certain [number] of specific [name them] procedures
in the next two months. I will volunteer to do these procedures whenever possible, and I will ask
my coworkers to help me get more experience.
Rather than: I want to get more done during a shift.
How about: SMART goal: I will put my down time to better use by sorting patient files. I will
make lists of tasks to complete and work on them when I’m not seeing patients. I will create a
system to streamline the intake and recording process for patients.
Professional Development Goal Examples:
Rather than: I want to get promoted.
S.M.A.R.T. Goal Examples
How about: SMART goal: I will go above and beyond in my job duties. If a better position opens
up, I will apply for it. I will make my interest in further responsibilities known to my manager.
Rather than: I want a raise.
How about: SMART goal: I will perform my tasks to the best of my abilities. I will make my
workplace more efficient and increase the quality of patient care. If I have not been considered
for a yearly increase this year, I will put together a case and present it to my manager for
feedback.
Rather than: I want to be better at my job.
How about: SMART goal: I will keep checklists to make sure I do my duties during every shift. I
will regularly check in with my manager and coworkers and ask for feedback when needed. After
reviewing notes, I will document a plan to make adjustments in how I work.
Rather than: I want to learn from my coworkers.
How about: SMART goal: I will ask a more experienced coworker if they would be willing to
mentor me. I will ask about what I should know while working here. I will talk to my manager
about how I can observe more closely.
S.M.A.R.T. Goal Examples