Fahy, A., Tuohy,D., Mc Namara, M.C., Butler, M.P., Cassidy, I., Bradshaw, C.

2011

August

Nursing Standard

Evaluating Clinical Competence Assessment

Published

()

Competence; student nurses; preceptors; assessment; education

25

50

42

49

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate clinical competence assessment in pre-registration BSc nursing programmes in one geographical area in the mid-west of the Republic of Ireland. We
report on student and preceptor views of both the competence assessment and the process of competence assessment.
Method A mixed method approach comprising focus group  interviews and survey questionnaires was used. The sample comprised preceptors and student nurses across three disciplines  of nursing – general, mental health and intellectual disability.
Methods of analysis were thematic analysis and SPSS.  FindingsWe focused on language complexity, the assessment framework, the amount of time allocated to interview and achievement of purpose. The main conclusions were that language needs to be user-friendly, the process needs to be easy to follow and all aspects of clinical competence must be assessed. There was an excellent response rate from students (87%) but a lower preceptor response rate (30%).
Conclusion Competence based assessment in the clinical environment is a core component of preregistration nurse education programmes. Competing demands in the clinical environment
challenge both the student and preceptor during the competence assessment process.

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