MY S.M.A.R.T.
GOAL
Marina Di Pede
NSGD 2016- Clinical Practicum
Bonnie Masson
November 7th, 2022
AREA OF PRACTICE
The roles between an RPN and RN vary vastly in the clinical setting due to
acuity. Registered nurses care for a wide range of patients, including
unstable and acutely ill. As a bridging student, I need to indulge myself in
the clinical setting of an RN by learning theory- and skills-based
information regarding acute patients, then applying this knowledge. Post-
operative patients are acute and can become unstable quickly. Through
assessment skills and evidence-based practice, I aim to learn how to
manage acutely ill and unstable patients both individually and
interprofessionally, as I will be doing as an RN.
MY S.M.A.R.T. GOAL
I will be capable of providing
theory and skill application
regarding acute post-operative
patients within the clinical setting
by December 6th, 2022.
Specific: I am interested in understanding post-operative care through an RN’s standpoint and how I
S can best care for post-operative patients. This is important in the healthcare field as surgical patients
may be acute and complex, requiring critical thinking.
Measurable: I will investigate the background components of post-operative care and why common
M complications occur. I will research evidence-based practice articles on post-operative care and the
key components. I will complete multiple worksheets and additional papers on post-operative care. I
will present to the clinical group by the end of the semester.
Attainable: I have planned to complete my research and assignments by the end od the NSGD 2106
A clinical practicum. I will accomplish this through weekly assignments and time spend on my
S.M.A.R.T. goal
Realistic: As a nurse and an RN student, this goal is important for me to investigate and research
R due to the commonality of its use in my career. I would like to advance my critical thinking skills
and become a stronger, more efficient nurse.
Time Specific: The presentation of my S.M.A.R.T. goal to my clinical group and instructor is on
T November 4th, 2022
• I will complete a concept map of post-operative
patient assessments, that includes: common
etiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms of
complications post operatively, labs and diagnostics,
different methods of nursing assessment and
management, pharmacological aid, and health
WHAT I WANTED TO teachings. Using my Medical Surgical textbook and
evidence-based practice articles, I will conduct
LEARN research on post-operative complications and
nursing management.
• As an RN student, I will ensure that I learn to
recognize, prevent, and manage post-operative
complications both with RN's and within my own
practice.
• I will provide education to patients post operatively
regarding risks of common complications and ways
to prevent these.
• By the end of the semester, I will be able to
confidently discuss acute post-operative
complications and present a 5-minute educational
session to my classmates.
LEARNING HOW TO ACHIEVE MY
GOAL
Prior to each clinical, I will review basic nursing assessments and their normal findings,
such as ABC's (airway, breathing, and circulation), basic head-to-toe assessment skills,
vital signs, the pain scale, and lab values. I will familiarize myself with abnormal
assessment findings and the necessary nursing interventions to provide competent,
adequate care through critical thinking. I will find evidence-based materials regarding
post-operative patients and apply them within the clinical setting effectively. I will
collaborate with other nurses to promote stability and safety. I will complete the post-
operative Vsim in week 9 and receive a certificate. I will ensure I do the required
readings and additional readings from the Nipissing Library and Lewis textbook chapter
22 in preparation. I will ensure I thoroughly complete all required worksheets and submit
them in my portfolio.
• Nurses work together to promote
patient well being
PRINCIPLES OF THE CODE
OF CONDUCT THAT MY GOAL • Nurses maintain patients’ trust by
ALIGNS WITH providing safe and competent care
• Nurses work respectfully with
colleagues to best meet patients’
needs
• Nurses act with integrity to
maintain patients’ trust
• Nurses maintain public confidence
in the nursing profession
WEEK 1: BLOOD
TRANSFUSIONS AND POST-
OPERATIVE CARE
WEEK 4: ISBAR- POST
OPERATIVE FLUID AND
ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE
WEEK 4: ISBAR- INADEQUATE
INTAKE AND MALNUTRITION
WEEK 5: SURGICAL
DISCHARGE TEACHING
S.M.A.R.T. GOAL LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
WEEK 6: POST-OPERATIVE
COMPLICATIONS CONCEPT
MAP
WEEK 7: THE GERIATRIC
COMMUNITY AND POST-
OPERATIVE
COMPLICATIONS
WEEK 8: THE IMPORTANCE
OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY
TEAMWORK POST-
OPERATIVELY
REFLECTION
NSGD 2106 Clinical Practicum has provided the me opportunity to experience a registered nurse's day in
the life while caring for critical post operative patients. With my S.M.A.R.T. goal aiming to prioritize acute
post-operative patients, this semester prompted me to aid these patients with a stronger critical thinking
approach. Thus far, I have reflected on the multiple complications surgical patients may encounter, early in
their recovery or later, how to communicate with an interprofessional team regarding post-operative
patients, and how to discharge a post-operative patient in a holistic way. Although I have much more to
learn, NSGD 2106 has provided me with the skills and methods to improve my nursing skills and become a
critically thinking registered nursing student.
