Looking for nursing self evaluation examples that actually sound like you? You’re in the right place.
Whether you’re filling out an annual review, prepping for a performance meeting, or reflecting after a tough semester in clinicals—writing about yourself can feel awkward. How do you highlight your strengths without bragging? Or admit your growth areas without sounding unsure?
This guide takes the guesswork out. You’ll find ready-to-use nursing self evaluation examples across every category—from clinical skills and teamwork to leadership, patient education, and digital proficiency. No fluff. No clichés. Just real language for real nurses.
Let’s make your self-evaluation feel less like a task—and more like a powerful reflection of the care you give every day.
What is Nursing Self-Evaluation?
In nursing, self-evaluation is a structured reflection on your own clinical, professional, and interpersonal competencies. It’s where you identify what’s working, what needs improvement, and where you want to grow. Whether you’re a nursing student preparing for clinical debriefings or a seasoned RN updating your annual review, self-evaluation is your personal blueprint for better practice.
Think of it as your blueprint for better practice—a moment to reflect, course-correct, and claim your progress out loud.
Why Self-Evaluation Matters
Why does it matter? Because intentional reflection leads to real impact.
When done well, a nursing self-evaluation can help you:
- Improve patient outcomes by identifying what works
- Clarify your career goals and next steps
- Strengthen performance reviews with measurable achievements
- Build confidence in your nursing voice
In fact, a study highlighted by Alliant International University found that nurses who engage in regular self-evaluation show higher engagement, more consistent goal-setting, and faster professional growth. That’s not fluff—it’s a framework for momentum.
If you work in a Magnet-recognized hospital, you already know how self-reflection ties into innovation, shared governance, and leadership expectations. A strong self-evaluation doesn’t just check a box—it shows you’re thinking critically about your practice.
Nursing Self Evaluation Examples by Categories
To make writing easier (and less awkward), we’ve broken self-evaluation examples into specific categories. Use them to build your own reflections—whether you’re a student, RN, nurse educator, or leader preparing for promotion or portfolio work.
Personal Characteristics
These statements reflect your work ethic, mindset, and professional attitude.
- I arrive on time and start each shift prepared and focused.
- I demonstrate empathy with both patients and their families during challenging moments.
- I remain calm and level-headed under pressure.
- I show consistent respect for diverse cultural and spiritual beliefs.
- I reflect on my own biases to provide equitable care.
- I accept feedback openly and seek to apply it in practice.
- I contribute to a positive team environment through encouragement and optimism.
- I take responsibility for my actions and follow through on tasks without reminders.
- I uphold professional behavior even in conflict or disagreement.
- I express gratitude to my colleagues and support staff regularly.
- I avoid distractions and stay focused during patient care activities.
- I maintain personal and professional appearance standards aligned with infection control.
- I stay open to new learning opportunities, even when outside my comfort zone.
- I build rapport and trust with patients early in the care process.
- I pause for emotional check-ins to ensure I’m delivering patient-centered care with integrity.
Unique Role Contributions
Highlight contributions that go beyond your official job description.
- I created a quick-reference tool for pain assessments that is now used on my unit.
- I helped revise our discharge education materials to improve patient understanding.
- I collaborated on improving our bedside handoff protocol to enhance safety.
- I precepted a newly hired nurse during her onboarding period.
- I volunteered for cross-training in wound care to help fill a staffing gap.
- I led a staff development session on trauma-informed care practices.
- I helped reduce call light response time by suggesting a buddy system.
- I developed a supply tracking system to improve stockroom organization.
- I supported patients and families by offering Spanish translation during rounds.
- I filled in as charge nurse when leadership was unavailable.
- I mentored a colleague through her first CPR event.
- I co-precepted a nursing student during her capstone experience.
- I helped implement updated patient communication boards in all rooms.
- I created visual teaching aids for diabetic foot care to support education.
- I represented my unit on the shared governance council for clinical innovation.
Extra Job Responsibilities
These show your flexibility and initiative beyond your core duties.
- I cover triage when needed and ensure a smooth patient flow during high-volume periods.
- I help coordinate discharge transport to reduce patient wait times.
- I reorganized our supply closets to improve access and efficiency.
- I step in to provide patient-family education when educators are unavailable.
- I lead weekend infection control checks to maintain compliance.
- I float across three units and adapt quickly to different team workflows.
- I troubleshoot basic EHR issues and assist colleagues with documentation shortcuts.
- I help onboard agency and travel nurses with quick unit orientation.
- I gather quality improvement data for monthly unit reports.
- I call patients for follow-up after discharge when assigned to transitions of care.
- I attend case management huddles in the absence of our primary RN.
- I calibrate and track vital sign monitors to ensure accuracy.
- I support the orientation of CNAs by walking them through daily tasks.
- I keep our code carts stocked and ready after each use.
- I act as the go-to staff member for policy clarifications and updates.
Professional Development
These examples highlight ongoing learning—both formal and informal.
- I completed my ACLS renewal early and shared study materials with peers.
- I’m enrolled in an online RN-to-BSN program to advance my education.
- I attended a virtual seminar on trauma-informed care and applied new techniques in practice.
- I shadowed a wound care specialist to expand my clinical scope.
- I earned CEUs on telehealth ethics to stay updated on remote care standards.
- I participate in our hospital’s journal club to discuss the latest EBP research.
- I completed a specialty course in geriatric nursing care.
- I presented a patient case study during a unit learning session.
- I contributed educational content to our department’s staff learning calendar.
- I led a documentation refresher for incoming graduate nurses.
- I review one peer-reviewed article per week to stay sharp.
- I practiced SBAR drills to improve clinical handoff clarity.
- I attended monthly simulation labs to refine emergency response.
- I joined a peer accountability group for clinical skill development.
- I created a self-paced workbook on time management and shared it with my team.
Career Goals & Aspirations
Use these to reflect forward—especially in annual reviews or goal-setting sections.
- I plan to apply to a DNP program within the next two years.
- I’m preparing for a nurse manager role by developing my leadership skills.
- I aim to specialize in hospice and palliative care by enrolling in a certification program.
- I hope to mentor two new nurses on my unit this year.
- I plan to submit an abstract to present at a regional nursing conference.
- I want to co-author a research article on compassion fatigue in nursing.
- I’m studying for the CEN exam with a goal to pass by year-end.
- I’m building a clinical portfolio to apply for a preceptor role.
- I aspire to serve on the hospital ethics board.
- I’m preparing materials for a scholarship to support graduate education.
- I’m working toward dual certification in psychiatric and family nursing.
- I plan to lead a patient safety initiative on my unit.
- I’m preparing to apply to my facility’s internal leadership pathway program.
- I want to improve my Spanish proficiency to better serve our Latinx population.
- I intend to submit a proposal for a new nurse-led education program.
Areas for Growth
Being honest about where you want to improve shows maturity—not weakness. These examples frame growth as part of your professional journey.
- I’m working to reduce documentation delays during high-volume shifts.
- I want to build more confidence in high-acuity emergency situations.
- I’m focusing on improving my IV insertion accuracy and efficiency.
- I’m developing clearer communication during interdisciplinary care planning.
- I’m working on prioritizing tasks better during back-to-back admissions.
- I aim to strengthen my understanding of telemetry interpretation.
- I sometimes feel overwhelmed with larger patient assignments and am exploring new time management strategies.
- I want to rely less on more senior staff and make independent decisions with confidence.
- I’m practicing clearer, more concise shift reports to improve continuity of care.
- I’ve set a goal to speak up more often during staff meetings and contribute ideas.
- I’m working on more effective delegation to new team members.
- I’m improving how I de-escalate emotionally intense family interactions.
- I want to rely less on double-checking and trust my clinical judgment.
- I’m revisiting lesser-used policies to feel more confident with rare procedures.
- I’m learning to set firmer emotional boundaries with patients without losing compassion.
Clinical Practice & Patient Care
These statements highlight how you apply your nursing knowledge at the bedside and in care coordination.
- I provide evidence-based care while maintaining a compassionate bedside presence.
- I follow infection control and isolation protocols without exception.
- I advocate for timely, individualized pain management—both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic.
- I assess vital signs and trends with clinical judgment, not just numbers.
- I tailor discharge instructions based on each patient’s literacy and comprehension level.
- I conduct fall risk assessments on admission and adjust care plans accordingly.
- I escalate any concerning changes in patient condition without hesitation.
- I collaborate with physicians and case managers to keep treatment plans current.
- I ensure patients understand medication regimens before they leave the hospital.
- I cross-check all med orders with the MAR and pharmacy records.
- I advocate for smoother transitions of care from ICU to step-down units.
- I document thoroughly and in real time to reflect accurate patient status.
- I use patient-centered approaches to involve individuals in their care decisions.
- I lead or participate in bedside rounding to reinforce patient involvement and safety.
- I actively listen to patient concerns and validate their emotions during care delivery.
Medication Administration
Accuracy and safety are non-negotiables in med administration. These examples show attention to detail, communication, and patient education.
- I follow the five rights of medication administration without exception.
- I double-check high-risk medications and verify dosages independently.
- I clarify unclear or incomplete med orders before administration.
- I provide patient education about new medications, including side effects and expected outcomes.
- I confirm patient allergies at the start of every shift and before each med pass.
- I consistently use barcode scanning to reduce error risk.
- I review anticoagulation timing and lab results before dosing.
- I encourage medication adherence through clear education and written instructions.
- I report and document near-miss events to improve team awareness and prevent recurrence.
- I monitor and document PRN med effectiveness and reassess as needed.
- I administer IV medications slowly and observe closely for reactions.
- I verify MAR entries against provider orders at the start of every shift.
- I escalate concerns when vital signs fall outside the range for safe administration.
- I explain med regimens to family members involved in post-discharge care.
- I flag potential drug interactions during pre-admission assessments.
Pain Management
Pain management reflects both clinical skill and patient empathy. These statements highlight balanced, patient-centered care.
- I assess pain using validated tools and adjust interventions accordingly.
- I help patients set realistic expectations for pain relief.
- I offer non-pharmacologic strategies such as repositioning, ice/heat therapy, or guided breathing.
- I advocate for pain plan adjustments when current regimens are ineffective.
- I reassess pain after every intervention and document response.
- I validate patient pain reports without bias or judgment.
- I educate patients about the risks and benefits of opioid medications.
- I monitor for opioid-related complications such as respiratory depression.
- I recommend early palliative consults when pain becomes chronic or complex.
- I use age-appropriate strategies, such as distraction for pediatric patients.
- I track and document breakthrough pain frequency to support care plan updates.
- I collaborate with providers for timely pre-procedural analgesia.
- I review and reinforce PCA use instructions to ensure safety.
- I involve families in understanding and supporting pain management goals.
- I alert the team to any unexpected escalation in pain scores.
Infection Control
From hand hygiene to isolation protocols, infection control is every nurse’s daily priority. These examples reflect both vigilance and education.
- I perform hand hygiene before and after every patient contact.
- I use PPE according to the transmission precautions required for each patient.
- I educate patients and families on the importance of isolation protocols.
- I regularly disinfect shared equipment and high-touch surfaces.
- I report early signs of infection to the provider without delay.
- I monitor wounds for changes in color, drainage, or odor.
- I reinforce respiratory etiquette and cough hygiene with patients.
- I follow catheter and central line care bundles to reduce infection risk.
- I participate in unit-wide hand hygiene audits and performance reviews.
- I use dedicated equipment when caring for patients under contact precautions.
- I ensure all dressings remain clean, dry, and intact throughout the shift.
- I dispose of sharps and biohazard waste immediately and correctly.
- I encourage flu and COVID-19 vaccination compliance during intake.
- I escalate infection control breaches to the charge nurse or IP team.
- I stay up to date on evolving infection prevention protocols and policy updates.
Emergency Response
In critical moments, your response can mean everything. These examples highlight preparedness, clear thinking, and collaboration under pressure.
- I respond immediately to Rapid Response and Code Blue situations without hesitation.
- I maintain current BLS and ACLS certifications and apply them confidently.
- I assist with setting up and restocking crash carts after emergency events.
- I perform CPR with correct technique and switch out with team members to avoid fatigue.
- I document all emergency interventions promptly and accurately.
- I communicate clearly and calmly during codes to avoid confusion.
- I help stabilize patients while awaiting advanced interventions.
- I advocate for debriefs post-event to improve future emergency response.
- I recognize early warning signs of deterioration and escalate appropriately.
- I use SBAR to report urgent changes in patient status.
- I assist with emergency equipment setup such as suction or airway tools.
- I remain alert to all alarms and respond within policy timelines.
- I support emotionally distressed teammates after high-stakes events.
- I review emergency protocols regularly and suggest improvements where needed.
- I promote simulation training on our unit to build team readiness.
Patient Education
Teaching is part of healing. These examples reflect how you empower patients through clarity and compassion.
- I assess patients’ baseline knowledge before beginning teaching.
- I simplify medical language to ensure information is understandable.
- I use visuals or models to reinforce key instructions when appropriate.
- I validate understanding using the teach-back method.
- I tailor education to reflect cultural, language, and literacy needs.
- I involve caregivers when preparing discharge teaching plans.
- I provide written instructions for home care that match hospital guidance.
- I teach diabetic patients how to monitor glucose and manage insulin safely.
- I explain wound care in step-by-step language patients can follow at home.
- I reinforce medication instructions during pre-discharge checks.
- I help patients understand follow-up needs, including appointments and symptoms to watch.
- I provide hygiene and infection prevention education for surgical patients.
- I adjust delivery style for patients with hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments.
- I collaborate with interpreters or use translated materials when needed.
- I review and document patient understanding before final discharge approval.
Vital Signs Monitoring
Vital signs aren’t just numbers—they’re early warning systems. Here’s how you show vigilance and clinical skill in this essential area.
- I monitor vitals as ordered and adjust frequency based on patient acuity.
- I identify subtle trends or changes and escalate early when needed.
- I verify abnormal readings by rechecking before reporting.
- I ensure equipment is properly calibrated and functioning before use.
- I reassess vitals after administering medications that affect heart rate or blood pressure.
- I document all readings promptly in the EHR with context when relevant.
- I correlate changes in vitals with pain scores or medication effects.
- I compare current vitals with baseline to determine clinical significance.
- I provide patient-friendly explanations of vital sign trends.
- I involve respiratory therapy if oxygen saturation drops unexpectedly.
- I advocate for clinical intervention when repeated abnormal values are recorded.
- I assist students or new hires in mastering proper technique.
- I use validated tools such as MEWS or NEWS to support early warning systems.
- I update care plans based on sustained changes in vital trends.
- I double-check all vitals before reporting handoff or calling physicians.
Discharge Planning
A safe, informed discharge reduces readmissions and empowers patients to take control of their care.
- I begin discharge planning early to identify barriers and coordinate support.
- I ensure patients understand their home care instructions before leaving the unit.
- I collaborate with social workers and case managers to arrange transportation and follow-up care.
- I confirm that prescriptions and supplies are ready at discharge.
- I teach patients and caregivers how to manage conditions safely at home.
- I involve interpreters to ensure clear, culturally competent education.
- I update and document discharge readiness assessments accurately.
- I flag high-risk patients for additional follow-up or transitional care.
- I notify providers when discharge plans need revision based on new patient needs.
- I verify that medication reconciliation has been completed before discharge.
- I provide phone follow-ups when assigned, reinforcing key discharge points.
- I include caregivers in planning when patients need support at home.
- I ensure all discharge documentation matches provider instructions and plan of care.
- I adjust teaching strategies based on literacy or cognitive barriers.
- I use checklists to make sure no discharge steps are missed.
Documentation Accuracy
Good charting protects patients, protects you, and reflects real-time clinical reasoning.
- I document all patient assessments promptly and in real-time.
- I avoid copy-pasting and write individualized notes for each patient encounter.
- I use objective, factual language to describe clinical observations.
- I double-check spelling, terminology, and time stamps for accuracy.
- I update charts immediately when a change in condition occurs.
- I document phone calls to providers, including the time, reason, and response.
- I ensure informed consent forms are completed and properly stored.
- I report and document any patient refusal of treatment or education.
- I verify medication administration times match MAR and provider orders.
- I reconcile physician orders before signing off on them.
- I use narrative notes when situations require context or clinical judgment.
- I correct documentation errors using proper amendment processes.
- I maintain HIPAA compliance in all written and digital entries.
- I review handoff summaries for completeness and accuracy before signing out.
- I ensure documentation supports both clinical care and billing compliance.
Wound Care
Wound care requires attention, consistency, and communication across disciplines. These examples reflect best practices.
- I assess and document wound appearance, drainage, and measurements consistently.
- I follow sterile or clean technique based on wound type and protocol.
- I apply appropriate dressings and monitor for changes at each shift.
- I escalate any signs of infection or deterioration to the provider.
- I collaborate with wound care specialists when healing is delayed.
- I educate patients on wound care procedures and infection prevention.
- I document wound stage, odor, and periwound condition in detail.
- I implement offloading techniques and repositioning schedules for pressure injury prevention.
- I use moisture barrier creams to protect at-risk skin.
- I track and report dressing supply needs to ensure consistent care.
- I assess nutritional risk and refer to dietary when poor healing is observed.
- I report wound-related trends during care conferences.
- I log weekly wound measurements to monitor healing progress.
- I support patients emotionally when wounds affect body image.
- I follow hospital-specific protocols for complex wounds such as deep pressure ulcers or surgical dehiscence.
Triage & Prioritization
Prioritizing care in fast-paced environments is one of nursing’s most essential (and often overlooked) skills. These examples reflect your clinical judgment under pressure.
- I assess patient acuity quickly during shift handoff and reorganize my workflow accordingly.
- I prioritize unstable patients first and escalate critical findings immediately.
- I adapt my task list in real time based on labs, new orders, or patient deterioration.
- I collaborate with the charge nurse to balance assignments fairly.
- I cluster care efficiently to reduce unnecessary interruptions for patients.
- I delegate routine tasks when managing multiple urgent care needs.
- I recognize high-risk changes during handoff and flag them for provider review.
- I use SBAR to communicate urgent patient concerns clearly and concisely.
- I update whiteboards and tracking tools to reflect real-time priorities.
- I anticipate patient needs during transfers or discharges to avoid workflow delays.
- I support new team members in learning how to triage competing demands.
- I adjust calmly and effectively when priorities shift rapidly.
- I maintain clear documentation when tasks are deferred for clinical reasons.
- I re-prioritize consistently during high census or staff shortages.
- I ensure emergent needs are addressed before routine tasks are completed.
Patient Safety Protocols
Safety is everyone’s job—but nurses are on the frontlines of identifying, preventing, and reporting risks.
- I follow fall precautions diligently, including bed alarms, signage, and hourly rounding.
- I verify patient identity and allergy status before every medication or procedure.
- I follow time-out procedures before invasive care or surgeries.
- I assess suicide risk using validated tools and follow up with appropriate interventions.
- I report safety incidents or hazards immediately to the charge nurse or safety officer.
- I maintain a clutter-free environment to prevent trips or spills.
- I confirm NPO status before procedures and verify orders with providers.
- I ensure all equipment and oxygen tanks are functioning before patient use.
- I use lift devices and call for help when moving heavy patients to prevent injuries.
- I maintain infection control practices in high-risk procedures and isolation rooms.
- I educate patients on call light use, fall risk, and mobility support.
- I assess and document skin integrity regularly to prevent pressure injuries.
- I advocate for patient safety concerns during shift huddles or care conferences.
- I ensure restraint use is documented, justified, and regularly reassessed.
- I follow national patient safety goals and review updates quarterly.
Communication & Teamwork
Effective communication and collaboration keep patients safe—and teams strong. These examples reflect trust, transparency, and shared problem-solving.
- I use SBAR during physician calls and handoffs to ensure concise, relevant communication.
- I listen actively to patient concerns and validate their experiences.
- I adjust my tone and language to de-escalate emotionally charged interactions.
- I coordinate closely with CNAs to ensure timely patient care.
- I participate in team huddles and offer suggestions when process gaps are identified.
- I help newer staff feel supported by offering informal mentoring.
- I follow up with colleagues after care transitions to close communication loops.
- I offer constructive feedback in a respectful, solution-focused manner.
- I clarify unclear orders before proceeding to avoid risk or miscommunication.
- I check in with the team during busy shifts to see where I can help.
- I stay professional and composed during conflicts, addressing concerns directly.
- I advocate for patient preferences during care planning discussions.
- I build rapport with interdisciplinary team members to streamline patient flow.
- I adjust communication strategies for patients with sensory or cognitive limitations.
- I contribute to a positive work culture by promoting trust and shared accountability.
Education & Continuous Learning
Lifelong learning isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a professional responsibility. These examples highlight proactive learning and teaching behaviors.
- I complete CEUs regularly to maintain licensure and deepen clinical expertise.
- I mentor new graduates, helping them transition confidently into clinical practice.
- I volunteer in the skills lab to support nursing students from local programs.
- I review clinical journals monthly to stay updated on evidence-based practices.
- I contribute to unit-based discussions on applying new research.
- I attend webinars and virtual workshops to expand my clinical scope.
- I co-developed educational resources to support post-op patient understanding.
- I lead in-services to refresh staff knowledge on documentation standards.
- I reflect after challenging cases to identify learning opportunities.
- I set quarterly learning goals and track my growth over time.
- I complete all mandatory training ahead of deadlines.
- I reach out to educators or specialists when I need help mastering a skill.
- I help orient float nurses to our unit’s routines and systems.
- I regularly bring current literature to care plan meetings to inform decisions.
- I seek feedback on my clinical performance and use it to improve practice.
Technical & Digital Proficiency
Strong digital literacy improves safety, speed, and communication. These examples demonstrate confidence with systems and tools.
- I chart in the EHR in real time to ensure accuracy and reduce delays.
- I enter medication orders carefully, double-checking for safety and compliance.
- I troubleshoot common system issues to support my team.
- I conduct chart audits to ensure documentation meets legal and institutional standards.
- I guide new staff on using clinical software and digital tools.
- I use barcode scanning technology to minimize medication errors.
- I safeguard data privacy and follow HIPAA standards with all digital documentation.
- I adjust telehealth settings to create a smooth virtual visit experience.
- I attend technology update sessions to stay ahead of system changes.
- I help implement new charting templates to streamline workflow.
- I graph vital sign trends for provider visualization during rounds.
- I flag software bugs or inefficiencies and escalate them to the informatics team.
- I teach patients how to access their records and discharge instructions online.
- I integrate clinical decision support alerts into safe medication practices.
- I complete charting across multiple systems when floating to different units.
Leadership & Professionalism
Leadership shows up in daily choices—especially when no one is watching. These examples reflect trust, ethics, and initiative.
- I act as a resource for new staff and students, offering support and guidance.
- I delegate based on team strengths, acuity, and scope of practice.
- I model adherence to infection control and safety standards every shift.
- I manage disagreements respectfully and work toward shared solutions.
- I offer peer feedback during reviews and encourage self-reflection.
- I fill in as charge nurse and make decisions that support staff and patient flow.
- I represent our unit in shared governance councils and staff forums.
- I support system-wide quality initiatives and offer frontline input.
- I advocate for patients in ethically complex situations.
- I complete tasks with integrity, even when unsupervised or under pressure.
- I maintain calm and professionalism during emergencies.
- I balance time management with team needs during heavy assignments.
- I encourage staff morale by recognizing team wins and peer contributions.
- I maintain all credentials and licensure ahead of expiration dates.
- I uphold confidentiality and address lapses when observed.
Performance & Quality Outcomes
These examples highlight your contribution to measurable improvements in care quality, efficiency, and patient experience.
- I contributed to a 20% reduction in fall rates by reinforcing hourly rounding.
- I helped implement a bedside rounding checklist that improved patient satisfaction scores.
- I consistently receive positive feedback in post-discharge surveys.
- I identified three near-miss incidents and reported them to improve unit safety.
- I supported a quality initiative that reduced IV infiltration rates.
- I maintained a 100% medication administration accuracy rate over the past 12 months.
- I participated in a handoff audit that identified gaps in continuity of care.
- I helped design a discharge protocol that decreased 30-day readmission rates.
- I trained colleagues on updated fall risk assessment tools.
- I followed documentation standards that improved billing accuracy on our unit.
- I flagged workflow delays and collaborated on a solution that saved 30 minutes per shift.
- I presented audit findings at a unit meeting to spark improvement discussions.
- I completed chart audits for 15 patients to ensure compliance with wound care protocols.
- I participated in a peer-review project focused on improving feedback culture.
- I gathered data to support a Magnet mini-grant proposal on nurse-led quality initiatives.
Specialized Nursing Areas
Use these to tailor your evaluation to your clinical setting or specialty practice.
ICU / Critical Care
- I respond rapidly to status changes and manage multiple critical drips and monitors.
- I assist with intubations, central line placement, and post-code stabilization.
- I support families through high-acuity decision-making with compassion and clarity.
Pediatrics
- I adapt teaching and care plans to the child’s developmental level.
- I use play and distraction to reduce procedure anxiety.
- I involve families as care partners throughout the child’s stay.
Geriatrics
- I screen early for delirium and adjust care for cognitive decline.
- I advocate for mobility support and fall prevention strategies.
- I provide gentle, respectful communication for patients with dementia.
Psych/Mental Health
- I de-escalate behavioral health crises using therapeutic communication techniques.
- I promote medication adherence by reinforcing structure and trust.
- I participate in care planning to reduce seclusion and restraint use.
Oncology
- I monitor for chemo side effects and coordinate palliative consults when needed.
- I provide emotional support during long-term treatment and end-of-life conversations.
- I follow safety protocols for handling and disposing of cytotoxic medications.
Innovation & System Improvement
These examples show how you don’t just work in the system—you help improve it.
- I proposed an update to our handoff tool to improve clarity and reduce errors.
- I beta-tested a mobile EHR upgrade and provided end-user feedback.
- I participated in a virtual discharge pilot program to support continuity of care.
- I simplified hourly rounding documentation to improve nursing compliance.
- I co-led a task force that reduced readmissions by optimizing follow-up scheduling.
- I designed a new supply cart layout that improved restocking time.
- I collaborated with pharmacy to streamline medication reconciliation.
- I created a laminated visual reference for PPE usage in high-risk areas.
- I proposed signage updates to improve family communication zones.
- I helped author a white paper on workflow optimization for shared governance.
- I suggested QR codes on patient education handouts for digital access.
- I initiated a peer-led journal club to discuss innovative nursing practices.
- I escalated feedback to IT that led to EHR improvements across two departments.
- I tracked a small process change that saved an estimated 8 RN hours per week.
- I advocated for more ergonomic equipment to reduce staff injuries and fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should a nursing self-evaluation be?
Most self-evaluations range from 300 to 500 words, depending on your institution’s requirements. Focus on clarity, specific examples, and alignment with your goals—not length.
2. Can I use the same self-evaluation each year?
You shouldn’t. While it’s fine to reuse strong phrases, each evaluation should reflect your recent growth, new responsibilities, and current goals. Copy-paste jobs are easy to spot—and often dismissed.
3. Should nursing students write self-evaluations?
Yes. Many nursing programs require students to complete clinical self-assessments as part of their reflective learning process. These help build confidence and clinical judgment.
4. What if I don’t know what to write?
Start by asking yourself:
- What did I do well this year?
- What challenged me?
- Where do I want to grow?
You can also use the 200+ examples in this article to jumpstart your thinking.
5. Is it okay to mention mistakes or weaknesses?
Absolutely—as long as you frame them constructively. Evaluators appreciate honesty paired with growth. For example: “I struggled with time management during high-acuity shifts but have since developed a prioritization system that’s improved my workflow.”
6. What should I avoid in a nursing self-evaluation?
Avoid:
- Vague language (“I try my best”)
- Clichés (“I’m a team player”)
- Blame or negativity
- Overuse of technical jargon
Instead, focus on measurable actions, positive outcomes, and professional tone.
7. Can I use first-person language?
Yes. Self-evaluations are meant to reflect your experience, so using “I” is expected and appropriate. Just keep the tone professional and avoid being overly casual.
8. Do I need to link my evaluation to standards like ANA or Magnet?
If you’re in a Magnet-recognized facility or preparing for portfolio review, yes. Aligning with the ANA Standards of Professional Performance or institutional values strengthens your credibility.
9. What’s the difference between a self-evaluation and a performance review?
A self-evaluation is written by you to reflect on your practice. A performance review is conducted by your supervisor to evaluate your performance. In many organizations, the two are combined for a more complete picture.
10. Is there a template I can follow?
Yes—this article essentially is a giant template. Each category includes language you can adapt directly into your own reflection. Bookmark it and use it every review season!
