Final answer:
Goals set by a nurse within a team should be important, inspiring, clear, specific, and assigned properly. Utilizing the SMART criteria ensures these goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Answering the 5 W's helps in refining these goals, making them more actionable and focused.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is part of a team that is developing the team's goals, it is crucial to ensure that these goals encompass several key features. The goals should have importance and meaning to the team, imbuing their work with purpose and motivation. They should also be elevating and inspiring, enabling team members to rise to the challenge and feel invested in the outcomes.
Goals must be clear and easy to understand to ensure that all team members are on the same page regarding what is expected. Assigning goals to specific individuals fosters accountability and clarifies roles within the team. Although not always applicable, some goals may have a monetary value and costs associated with them, which should be considered in planning and resource allocation.
When setting goals, it is instrumental to refer to the SMART criteria: Goals should be Specific (with a clear definition and detail), Measurable (with quantifiable progress), Achievable (realistic and attainable), Relevant (aligning with other objectives and the broader mission), and Time-bound (having a set deadline for completion). By answering the 5 W's—who, what, where, when, and why—you can better define your goals. Additionally, identifying steps toward meeting these goals provides clarity and motivation, helping maintain focus and momentum towards achieving these targets.