Innovations in performance assessment: a criterion based performance assessment for advanced practice nurses using a...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Development

Background:

• Evaluating advanced practice nurses (APNs) presents challenges due to mixed competency frameworks.
• Existing performance evaluations often blend basic nursing skills, medical competencies, and human resources objectives.
• A need exists for a specialized assessment tool tailored to advanced nursing practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a criterion-based job performance assessment specifically for advanced nursing practice.
• To create an evaluation framework grounded in nursing theory, distinguishing APN roles.
• To enhance the evaluation process for advanced practice nurses.

Main Methods:

• A needs analysis and literature review informed the development process.
• The Synergy Model for Nursing was adapted, incorporating stakeholder input.
• A generic job description evolved into a criterion-based performance assessment, with construct validity tested via questionnaire.

Main Results:

• A criterion-based job performance assessment tool for advanced practice nurses was developed.
• Construct validity was assessed through a questionnaire administered to nurses, nurse executives, an educator, and a physician.
• The study established a foundation for a specialized APN evaluation.

Conclusions:

• A review process defining specific advanced nursing roles and competencies fosters autonomy and job satisfaction.
• Quality improvement in advanced nursing practice can be achieved through tailored evaluation.
• Peer review is explored as a mechanism for monitoring and enhancing APN practice.