TY - JOUR
T1 - Nursing students' views of clinical competence assessment
AU - Bradshaw, Carmel
AU - O'Connor, Maureen
AU - Egan, Geraldine
AU - Tierney, Katie
AU - Butler, Mary Pat
AU - Fahy, Anne
AU - Tuohy, Dympna
AU - Cassidy, Irene
AU - Quillinan, Bernie
AU - McNamara, Mary C.
PY - 2012/8/7
Y1 - 2012/8/7
N2 - This paper reports on some outcomes of a research study evaluating a new assessment framework of clinical competence used in undergraduate nursing programmes in the Mid West Region of Ireland. First, this paper presents both the strengths and weaknesses of the present model, as articulated by student nurses. Second, it generates a broader critical debate around the concept of competency assessment. The model of competence in question was developed by the Irish Nursing Board then elaborated on by the University of Limerick in partnership with local health service providers in 2002. Methodology involved a triangulated approach, comprising a series of focus group interviews with students (n=13) and preceptors (n=16) followed by a survey of students (n=232) and preceptors (n=837). Findings from the student focus groups are reported here. Themes identified using Burnard's (1991) framework for analysis are preparation for competency assessment, competency documentation, supporting assessment in practice, organisational and resource factors and the competency assessment structure and process. Results from this research have implications for refinement and revision of the present competency assessment framework, for student and staff preparation and for collaboration between stakeholders.
AB - This paper reports on some outcomes of a research study evaluating a new assessment framework of clinical competence used in undergraduate nursing programmes in the Mid West Region of Ireland. First, this paper presents both the strengths and weaknesses of the present model, as articulated by student nurses. Second, it generates a broader critical debate around the concept of competency assessment. The model of competence in question was developed by the Irish Nursing Board then elaborated on by the University of Limerick in partnership with local health service providers in 2002. Methodology involved a triangulated approach, comprising a series of focus group interviews with students (n=13) and preceptors (n=16) followed by a survey of students (n=232) and preceptors (n=837). Findings from the student focus groups are reported here. Themes identified using Burnard's (1991) framework for analysis are preparation for competency assessment, competency documentation, supporting assessment in practice, organisational and resource factors and the competency assessment structure and process. Results from this research have implications for refinement and revision of the present competency assessment framework, for student and staff preparation and for collaboration between stakeholders.
KW - Assessment framework
KW - Clinical competency assessment
KW - Student experience
KW - Student perceptions
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84865126197&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.12968/bjon.2012.21.15.923
DO - 10.12968/bjon.2012.21.15.923
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84865126197
SN - 0966-0461
VL - 21
SP - 923
EP - 927
JO - British Journal of Nursing
JF - British Journal of Nursing
IS - 15
ER -