Competence evaluation processes for nursing students abroad: Findings from an international case study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• International Clinical Placements
• Competence Assessment

Background:

• Assessing clinical competence in nursing students undertaking international placements is complex.
• Effective methods and instruments are needed to capture the multifaceted nature of acquired clinical competencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical competence assessment processes and instruments used for nursing students during international clinical placements.
• To identify variations and commonalities in evaluation strategies across different nursing programs.

Main Methods:

• A case study design was employed in 2015.
• Eight nursing programs across seven European countries participated.
• Content analysis was used to scrutinize evaluation tools and guiding procedures.

Main Results:

• All evaluation tools were in English; most programs planned only a final evaluation.
• Significant variability existed in assessment tools, ranging from 5 to 88 items.
• Competencies like 'Technical skills,' 'Self-learning,' and 'Nursing care process' were emphasized, while others like 'Inter-professional skills' and 'Patient communication' received less focus.

Conclusions:

• Bilateral agreements should standardize expected competencies and evaluation tools for international clinical education.
• Greater emphasis on intercultural competencies and adaptation to diverse settings is necessary.
• Clearer definition of achievable competencies in host countries is needed to enhance transparency in learning and evaluation.