Progressive Clinical Performance Evaluation Tools Incorporating the QSEN Competencies

Monday, 9 November 2015

Amanda Eymard, DNS, PMHNP, MSN, BSN, RN, CNE
Nursing, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA, USA

Members of the baccalaureate research and evaluation committee developed a set of Clinical Performance Evaluation Tools incorporating the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for each of the Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) competencies. Eight course/level specific tools were developed demonstrating progression throughout the program. Remediation strategies for each course were addressed with a separate tool, the Clinical Performance Remediation (CPR) Tool. Walsh (2010) and University of Portland (2011) shared clinical evaluation information and contributed to the development of the tools. Input from faculty representing all levels within the program was also welcomed and considered. In addition to incorporating the QSEN competencies, the faculty felt strongly about including a professionalism section within the tools. This presentation describes the process and outcome for creating an evaluation tool that blended an effective combination of QSEN’s core competencies, the BSN Essentials, and the baccalaureate program’s conceptual model.

The tools were piloted spring of 2012 and have been in use since this time. This presentation will discuss suggestions regarding implementing the tools, faculty and administration experiences with implementing the tools, and many benefits of implementing the tools. Nursing programs can enhance evaluation of students’ clinical performance by incorporating the newly developed clinical performance evaluation tools. The tools are available on the QSEN web site for use by other nursing faculty interested in incorporating the QSEN competencies into their clinical evaluation process.