How the formal mid-term and final assessment is organised
Two formal assessment discussions are conducted during the students’ period of clinical placement. It is preferable that these formal discussions are conducted at the placement site. In the assessment discussions, emphasis is placed on dialogue between the individual student, the registered nurse mentor and the nurse educator. The nurse educator is responsible for documenting the assessment.
Prior to the formal assessment meeting, a discussion of goals is conducted during the first two weeks of the students’ clinical placement period. The teacher, student and nurse mentor take part in the discussion of goals. The purpose of this discussion is to review the students’ learning outcomes, clarify expectations, set up a supervision plan, and agree on the mid-term and final assessment dates.
The mid-term assessment is carried out when the students are halfway through the clinical placement period. It is important to give the student recognition of what they have mastered and give specific feedback on what the student must continue to work on to reach the expected level of skills.
The final assessment represents a summary and final assessment of the student’s learning and development in relation to the expected level of skills. This discussion is preferably conducted during the last week of the clinical placement period. As part of the final assessment, it is important that the student receives feedback on what they can specifically work on in the next period of clinical placement so that the student’s further learning and development process is emphasised.
The student’s experiences and assessment must be emphasised in the assessment meeting. However, based on input given by you and the student, the nurse educator is responsible for the final assessment. As aregistered nurse mentor, you closely follow and observe the students’ daily practice and are the person best suited to assessing the students’ knowledge, learning outcomes and development. Therefore, your views and opinions are important in the assessment meetings. Try to be active in these interviews and contribute by giving feedback that makes students aware of their own areas of mastery and growth.
Good advice:
Establish a good dialogue with the nurse educator
Contact the nurse educator if you need support or experience challenges in your mentorship practice.
Set aside time for discussions
Set aside time for a conversation with each student prior to the assessment meeting so that both of you are well prepared. It is a good idea to document the time that has been allotted in the department’s work plan.
Use the assessment form for preparation
Feel free to use the form for assessing the students’ nursing competencies and skills in preparation for the assessment meeting. This form can be used actively in the supervision of students throughout the entire clinical placement period.
Take an active role in the assessment meeting
You observe, guide, and follow the students closely during the clinical placement period and this means that your views and opinions are crucial regarding the students’ development and learning.
