Goals for Short-term and Long-Term Career Planning

Shawn Hekkanen
University of South Florida
July 2016

The USF College of Nursing provided me the opportunity to begin my journey to become
highly skilled in direct medical healthcare, while joining an energetic and caring healthcare
culture. I have aspired to gain the full diversity of concentrated experience offered by the USF
program and maintain this momentum into employment. I have created a list of short-term and
long-term goals to aid fulfillment of a promising career.
Short-term goals
I will be working daytime shift on an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) within one year,
preferably on a Neuroscience ICU (NSICU).
If I am working on the NSICU, then I will be certified to nurse at least Level 2
patients within two years.
I will attain two optional nursing certifications within two years that will help
bolster my resume and employability.
I will achieve at least one outstanding mark in my first employment evaluation,
and achieve at least one more outstanding mark on each following evaluation.
If I am employed at Tampa General Hospital, I will earn at least one Daisy Award
within two years.
Long-term goals
I will either have pursued higher education or returned to a formal supervisory
role in employment within five years.
I will have structured a financial plan within five years that permits me to support
my family.
I will attain at least four optional certifications within five years that will help
bolster my resume and employability.