Standardised clinical evaluation using Bondy rating scale.

A clinical performance evaluation tool adapted from Bondy's rating scale was used to assess all 680 second and third year students in the nursing program of a large metropolitan university. Second year students achieved an average score of 3.98 (out of 5), indicating that they were practising at a supervised level. Third year students' average score was 4.37, demonstrating an increased level of independence in clinical practice. The results were constant over two years of student assessments. Clear demarcation points identifying 'at risk' students were found (3.5 for second years and 3.9 for third years) facilitating remediation for this group. Criterion referenced definitions were especially useful when a wide range of clinical placements and several assessors were involved as they allowed consistent assessment of students' progress.