Stay focused in a busy healthcare setting and set structured, realistic goals with this SMART nursing performance audit checklist. It gives you and your team a clear way to define goals, track progress, and actually follow through. Leverage it to streamline team discussions, appraisals, and professional development plans—especially in fast-paced clinical environments where time is short and outcomes matter.
SMART nursing performance audit checklist
Create clear, focused goals that actually get followed through. This free SMART template guides you in setting measurable, specific objectives.
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Frequently asked questions
A well-written SMART goal might be: “Complete documentation for all patient assessments within 30 minutes of shift end for the next four weeks.” Another example could be: “Lead two peer training sessions on wound care procedures by the end of Q2.” The key is to tie goals directly to daily responsibilities, timelines, and measurable outcomes that reflect nursing priorities.
Consider your current workload, available resources, and the time you realistically have. If you’re in a fast-paced environment like the ER, a goal that demands lengthy documentation or daily meetings might not be doable. Break larger goals into smaller steps, and if possible, test them informally before committing.
They bring clarity to what’s expected, especially in high-pressure environments. When a nurse knows exactly what they’re working toward—like reducing patient wait times by 10% over three weeks—it’s easier to prioritize and focus. SMART goals also make feedback more meaningful during check-ins or evaluations, since progress is tied to specific results, not vague expectations.