Difference between goals and outcomes...

[erin1205]

hello all! i am in my second month of my accelerated bsn program and things are going well....there is one thing that has me stumped and i can't seem to find a clear answer. can anyone tell me what the difference is between goals and outcomes? i know that they are measurable achievements, but when writing care plans, how do i distinguish the two?

thanks a million...

[PsychNurseWannaBe, BSN, RN]

We were always taught that a goal is broad and general statement and that the outcomes are specific, achievable and measurable and will lead to goal attainment.

Additional:

We normally write a general goal on the careplan and then write specific outcomes. Then write our interventiond.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

i did some research on this some time ago and this is what i found. . .

outcomes are the predicted results of our independent nursing actions. independent nursing actions are those things that a nurse can prescribe, or order, for a patient that do not require a physician order. an expected outcome is measurable, patient centered, and specific. when you identify an outcome, you accept responsibility and accountability for helping the patient achieve that outcome. outcomes describe patient states that follow and are expected to be influenced by an intervention.

goals are the predicted results of collaborative nursing actions. collaborative nursing actions are those things nurses can only do for patients with an order of a physician or the assistance of another licensed healthcare provider--things like administer medications or provide certain treatments, etc. goals may also be measurable, patient centered and specific. what differentiates a goal from an outcome is that the nurse cannot take full responsibility and accountability for helping the patient to achieve a goal. goals are achieved because of the collaborative management of many.

[erin1205]

Thank you both so much for the clarification...that really helps! Many many many thanks!!!