Nursing Homework
SMART Goals
Melissa B. Diaz Bernal
St. Thomas University
NUR650CL Psychiatric Management IV
Professor: Dr. Jean
05/25/2025
Goals
Goal 1 – Facilitate a Group Therapy Session Independently
Goal 2 – Apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques in Group Setting
Goal 3 – Improve Group Process Observation Skills
Goal 4 – Manage Group Member Safety and Crisis Interventions
Goal 5 – Demonstrate Cultural Competency in Group Therapy
This presentation outlines five SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) goals designed to guide my development during group therapy sessions in my clinical rotation. These goals reflect my commitment to enhancing therapeutic communication, applying evidence-based practices, understanding group dynamics, ensuring patient safety, and delivering culturally competent care. Each goal aligns with clinical objectives and will be implemented under the supervision of a qualified preceptor, ensuring structured learning and measurable progress throughout the rotation.
2
Goal 1 – Facilitate a Group Therapy Session Independently
Specific I will independently facilitate at least one adult outpatient group therapy session under preceptor supervision during my clinical rotation. This goal targets leadership, therapeutic communication, and confidence in managing structured group settings, which is an identified area of growth in my practice(Jacob et al., 2022). The setting will be a community mental health center where group therapy is offered regularly.
Measurable Progress will be measured by my preceptor’s direct observation and written feedback after the session. I will also self-reflect and complete a post-session evaluation to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback will be used to guide additional skill development in subsequent sessions.
I will independently lead one adult group therapy session during clinicals, focusing on therapeutic communication and structure. My preceptor will observe and provide feedback. The goal is realistic with scheduled sessions and guidance. Group leadership is essential for PMHNPs, and I will complete this by week 8 of the term.
3
Goal 1 – Facilitate a Group Therapy Session Independently
Achievable This goal is achievable within the term because I will attend clinical twice weekly at a site where group therapy occurs. My preceptor is supportive and will provide guidance during preparation and debrief. I will begin observing sessions early and co-facilitating by week three to build up to independent facilitation.
Relevant As a PMHNP, group therapy facilitation is a core competency. Developing this skill enhances my ability to deliver holistic, cost-effective care and aligns with course objectives focused on therapeutic modalities. I have a passion for group work but need more structured practice. This goal connects with my professional desire to integrate evidence-based interventions in outpatient mental health.
Timely I will achieve this goal by the end of week 8 of the term, which allows time for observation, preparation, and preceptor review. I will track my progress weekly, scheduling the facilitation session by midterm to ensure timely completion. The timeframe is realistic within the 12-week clinical rotation.
Goal 2 – Apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques in Group Setting
Specific I will demonstrate application of at least three CBT techniques (e.g., cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and identifying automatic thoughts) during group therapy sessions for clients with depression or anxiety. This will occur in an outpatient group setting, under my preceptor’s guidance.
Measurable I will document and present three cases where I implemented CBT techniques, including group progress notes and debriefings with my preceptor. My ability to apply each intervention will be evaluated using a structured feedback form provided by the clinical site.
Achievable This goal is achievable through hands-on practice, weekly clinical experience, and the availability of CBT-focused groups. With my foundational knowledge and preceptor mentorship, I can progressively implement CBT interventions and refine my skills during case discussions.
I will apply three CBT techniques—cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and identifying automatic thoughts—during group sessions for depression or anxiety. Progress will be evaluated through documentation and preceptor feedback. This goal supports my skill development in evidence-based practices and will be completed by week 10 through structured practice and supervision.
5
Goal 2 – Apply Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques in Group Setting
Relevant CBT is a widely used evidence-based approach in psychiatric care. Demonstrating its application in a group setting supports both my academic development and real-world practice readiness(Newby et al., 2021). This goal is aligned with the PMHNP scope and enhances my ability to support diverse patient populations.
Timely This goal will be completed by week 10 of the clinical rotation. I will begin by week 3 with observational learning, gradually taking the lead on therapeutic interventions by week 5, ensuring time for correction and mastery before the final evaluation.
Goal 3 – Improve Group Process Observation Skills
Specific I will enhance my ability to observe, document, and interpret group dynamics—such as transference, cohesion, conflict, and group stages—during 10 group therapy sessions. This goal addresses the need to strengthen my clinical observational and documentation skills in real-time therapy environments.
Measurable I will submit 10 session observation logs detailing group processes, followed by weekly supervision to discuss my insights and receive feedback. Improvement will be measured through preceptor review and reflective journal entries on accuracy and depth of interpretation.
I will observe and interpret group dynamics such as cohesion, conflict, and transference during 10 group sessions. Feedback will come from my preceptor and reflective journaling. These skills are critical for understanding therapy progress. With weekly opportunities and supervision, I’ll achieve this goal by week 9 of the rotation.
7
Goal 3 – Improve Group Process Observation Skills
Achievable Given that group therapy occurs multiple times weekly at my site, I have ample opportunity to observe sessions. Structured supervision and observation tools will support my learning, and I will improve with each session by applying theoretical frameworks such as Yalom’s therapeutic factors(Rusu & Davis, 2022).
Relevant Understanding group dynamics is essential for effective PMHNP practice in therapy settings. This goal connects directly to my course learning outcomes and helps bridge the gap between theory and clinical application, ultimately supporting patient outcomes through better group management.
Timely I will complete this goal by week 9. I will begin structured observations in week 1 and complete at least one observation per clinical day. I’ll meet weekly with my preceptor to review patterns and ensure I am accurately interpreting group processes.
Goal 4 – Manage Group Member Safety and Crisis Interventions
I will manage at least three group safety situations involving crisis intervention under supervision. I’ll document incidents and debrief with my preceptor for feedback. Safety is crucial in PMHNP practice. With site exposure to high-acuity clients, this goal is attainable and will be completed by the end of week 11.
9
Specific I will develop competency in identifying and managing safety concerns (e.g., suicidal ideation or aggressive behavior) in group therapy by intervening appropriately in at least three cases and consulting with my preceptor to implement crisis management protocols.
Measurable Success will be tracked through documentation of three safety-related incidents, use of de-escalation strategies, and post-event supervision with my preceptor. I will also complete a self-assessment checklist and debrief on each incident to ensure learning.
Goal 4 – Manage Group Member Safety and Crisis Interventions
Achievable This goal is attainable due to the high acuity of the clinical site. My preceptor is trained in crisis management and will provide immediate feedback. I will participate in safety drills and review protocols weekly, building readiness for real-life implementation.
Relevant Crisis intervention is critical in PMHNP practice. Recognizing risks in group settings ensures patient and staff safety(Phillips et al., 2021). This goal enhances my preparedness for independent practice, especially in high-risk environments like IOP or PHP programs.
Timely This goal will be completed by week 11. I will review crisis protocol during week 1 orientation, observe initial safety interventions by week 3, and actively manage incidents under supervision as they arise throughout the term.
Goal 5 – Demonstrate Cultural Competency in Group Therapy
Specific I will demonstrate culturally competent care by adapting communication and interventions for at least three culturally diverse clients during group therapy, ensuring inclusive and respectful therapeutic engagement that aligns with each client's background and values.
Measurable I will document culturally adapted interventions in three session notes and discuss each case with my preceptor during weekly supervision. Feedback will guide refinement. I’ll also complete a cultural self-assessment to track personal growth in this area.
Achievable This is achievable due to the diverse patient population at my clinical site. I have access to supervision, cultural competency tools, and professional development materials. I’ll research each client’s background to tailor my interventions appropriately.
I will deliver culturally sensitive care to three diverse clients during group therapy. I’ll document tailored interventions and discuss them with my preceptor. Cultural competence is vital to ethical psychiatric care. With diverse clinical exposure and weekly review, I will achieve this goal by the end of week 10.
11
Goal 5 – Demonstrate Cultural Competency in Group Therapy
Relevant Cultural awareness is a key PMHNP competency and essential for ethical, patient-centered care(Brown et al., 2021). This goal supports my commitment to equitable care and prepares me to manage multicultural group therapy settings effectively.
Timely This goal will be achieved by the end of week 10. I will begin identifying cultural considerations in week 2 and implement individualized approaches by week 4, with documentation and feedback ongoing until the goal is met.
References
Brown, A. S., Traynor, J. L., & Carkey, B. A. (2021). Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner student perceptions of integrated collaborative care. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/ijnes-2021-0049
Jacob, J., Stankovic, M., Spuerck, I., & Shokraneh, F. (2022). Goal setting with young people for anxiety and depression: What works for whom in therapeutic relationships? A literature review and insight analysis. BMC Psychology, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-00879-5
Newby, J., Mason, E., Kladnistki, N., Murphy, M., Millard, M., Haskelberg, H., Allen, A., & Mahoney, A. (2021). Integrating internet CBT into clinical practice: a practical guide for clinicians. Clinical Psychologist, 25(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/13284207.2020.1843968
Phillips, J., Malliaris, A. P., & Bakerjian, D. (2021). Nursing and Patient Safety. Ahrq.gov. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/nursing-and-patient-safety
Rusu, A. S., & Davis, R. (2022). Interdisciplinary approach of Yalom’s group therapy factors: A theoretical model for including animal presence in social work education and practice. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 1024355. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.1024355