Page 124 - Advanced Communication in Nursing

Reading

Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

a. Read the following passage and classify several points mentioned in the passage based

on their group.

Nurses Goals May Vary: Short-Term and Long-Term

Short-term goals for nurses are objectives that these health care professionals set for the
near future. These may include completing daily tasks, improving their skills and learning
new practices. The first one is related to communication. Nurses may better treat patients

when they have a positive connection that encourages patients to more openly
communicate their symptoms. You may set a goal to get to know a patient and find shared
interests that make them more comfortable talking to you. The next one is about
performance. A goal that might help you improve your work performance is to successfully SHORT-TERM

complete a procedure, such as drawing blood, giving patient stitches or removing a splint.
You might focus on one that you want to get faster at or complete while maintaining the
patient's comfort. The last short-term goal deals with medical tools. Hospitals and other
health care facilities may occasionally update their equipment. You can set a goal to learn

how to use new equipment or become proficient with a machine that you might use in your
ideal position.

Long-term goals for nurses are aspirations they set for the distant future. Nurses may
pursue these ambitions over months or years. Some long-term career goals are essential.

The first goal is about becoming a specialist. Many nurses start in a family medicine clinic
or general practitioner facility and then pursue specialized care. You may set a goal to
become a specialized nurse, such as a nurse anesthetist, cardiac nurse or pediatric nurse.
Next, there is also a goal related to education. Nurses may practice with an associate or

bachelor's degree in nursing, but they may also want to gain a degree that allows them to
pursue more advanced career opportunities. For example, you might set a goal to earn a
doctorate degree that would allow you to become a nurse practitioner. The last one is

related to a place to work. Many health care providers travel to other countries and spend
years providing medical care, including nurses. You may pursue an international travel nurse
LONG-TERM
position to gain experience and assess your interest in long-term global medicine.

pg. 116