Self-Identified Learning Opportunity

Student Name: Marissa Brown Course Name: Chronic Clinical Placement

Course Number: NURS 3021 Clinical Instructor: Danielle Reid
Competency Category: (check box for applicable category)
□ _____________________
□ Knowledge-based Practice
□ Ethical Practice
□ Professionalism
□ Skill-based Practice
List your Learning Goals and timeframe for completion: (use the SMART goal guide on back of form)

1. By midterm, I would like to be more fully prepared before performing a full

assessment/dressing change etc. so that I do not have to go in and out of clients’ room multiple
times. I can measure this by keeping track of how many times I have to leave the room to
gather supplies or ask for assistance each time I have a skill to complete. This skill is
especially important to use when a client is on isolation as I can save time by being fully
prepared
2. By midterm, I would like to have my documentation clear and concise on the first draft. I can
measure this by keeping track of how many corrections were made to each note and work
towards there being none.
3. By midterm, I would like to like to inquire about a client’s psychosocial health at least once a
shift in order to foster the development of therapeutic relationships. I have found in the past, I
have performed assessments and then left the client’s room. By inquiring about their personal
life or how they are feeling emotionally, I can build therapeutic relationships and enhance my
clients’ healing experience. I can measure this by taking a tally throughout the term as to how
many times I ask and create a relationship.

How will I achieve my goals? (activities, open-lab, text-based readings, journal articles, approved videos
etc.)

1. I can achieve this goal by taking a minute or two before entering a client’s room and think about
what I am going in to do and if I have all the supplies that I need. I can also, if needed, create a list
of supplies or the process of the assessment I need to complete so that nothing gets left out. I can
practice this not only in placement but also in lab and SIM so that being prepared becomes more
natural to me.
2. I can achieve this goal by really putting thought into my notes beforehand as well as making sure I
know all the medical terminology for describing wounds, procedures etc. I can do this by referring
to textbooks such as Health Assessment by Jarvis or Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing by Potter
and Perry.
3. I can achieve this goal by writing down some questions ahead of time that I can say as well as
writing on my flow sheet to ask about psychosocial factors to prompt me when doing a full
assessment.

*Please print/email a copy of this first page to your instructor at least 2 days before your meeting

Learning Plan Developed in accordance with guidelines from the College of Nurses of Ontario and the
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association.
What is a SMART Learning Goal? A SMART goal is: 1. Specific. A specific goal is detailed, focused
and clearly stated. Everyone reading the goal should know exactly what you want to learn. 2. Measurable.
A measurable goal is quantifiable, meaning you can see the results. 3. Attainable. An attainable goal can
be achieved based on your skill, resources and area of practice. 4. Relevant. A relevant goal applies to
your current role and is clearly linked to your key role responsibilities. 5. Time-limited. A time-limited
goal has specific timelines and a deadline. This will help motivate you to move toward your goal and to
evaluate your progress.
A SMART learning goal is structured so that anyone who reads your goal statement will understand what
you need to learn. For your QA Learning Plan you will be developing professional goals, but you can use
this format for any type of goal, professional or personal. Here are two examples of personal SMART
goals:
“I want to lose 16 lbs and lower my body mass index from 27 to 24 by November 30.”
“I want to run the local charity 5k race on August 15.”
How do I write a SMART learning goal? 1. Start by identifying what it is you want to learn.
2. Be specific and write it down in one sentence. Try not to use vague phrases such as “I want to learn
about…” If you are too vague, then how will you know when you reach your goal? Use an action word to
describe what you want to achieve. Using an action word makes sure your goal is measurable. Examples
of action words are:
■ identify ■ develop ■ plan ■ design ■ compare ■ describe ■ evaluate ■ explain ■ demonstrate ■ create.

Learning Plan Developed in accordance with guidelines from the College of Nurses of Ontario and the
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association.
Evaluation-prove how you have met your goals:

Instructor Comments and Feedback:

Student Signature: ________________________________ Date: _______________________

Instructor Signature: _______________________________ Date: _______________________

References

Learning Plan Developed in accordance with guidelines from the College of Nurses of Ontario and the
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association.
CNO. (2014). Competencies for entry-level Registered Nurse practice. Toronto ON: College of Nurses of
Ontario. Retrieved from https://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/reg/41037_entrytopracitic_final.pdf
CNO. (2017). Developing SMART Learning GOALS. Toronto ON: College of Nurses of Ontario.
Retrieved from http://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/qa/2017/smart-goals-rev-17-v2.pdf
SRNA. (2013). Continuing Competence Program. Regina SK: Saskatchewan Registered Nurses
Association. Retrieved from
https://www.srna.org/images/stories/Nursing_Practice/Continuing_Competence_Program_Manual_2013_
01_09.pdf

Learning Plan Developed in accordance with guidelines from the College of Nurses of Ontario and the
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association.