Action plans – step-by-step guides to support someone to reach their goals – are often used in practice and academic settings with nursing students who are struggling, but can help anyone identify weaknesses and improve proficiency in clinical skills. Sometimes called personal development plans, they follow frameworks such as SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-related) and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and involve staff working together to support students’ progress.