Clear goals are directly linked to improved patient outcomes. When nurses have specific targets, such as reducing infection rates or increasing patient satisfaction scores, they are more likely to implement best practices consistently. Goals help in monitoring patient progress and making necessary adjustments to care plans.
For instance, setting a goal to follow strict hand hygiene protocols can significantly reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections. Similarly, goals focused on patient education can empower patients to manage their health better, leading to better long-term outcomes.
