Development of a clinical evaluation tool for baccalaureate nursing students.

The purpose of clinical evaluation is to facilitate the development of students into safe, ethical and accountable practitioners. Evaluation measures should ensure fairness, consistency across settings and teachers, utilize indicators which reflect the realities of practice and education and facilitate deeper level student/teacher clinical discourse and learning. A new clinical evaluation tool was developed in a baccalaureate program in Ontario to address the variety of tools utilized and the need to demonstrate progression in depth and scope of practice. A consistent evaluation process was needed, leveled over the four years of the program and framed by the School's five program outcomes: knowledge worker, critical thinker, self-directed learner, evolving professional and effective communicator. A new tool was borne through an examination of relevant literature, the five program outcomes, College of Nurses of Ontario entry to practice competencies, practicum course outlines and various tools used in the undergraduate program. The process of tool development involved multiple drafts, ongoing dialogue and meetings with clinical teachers and course coordinators as well as feedback from students. Commitment, collaboration and collegiality were key elements in the construction of this tool.