Rearch On Evaluation Indexes Of Core Competencies For Nursing Postgraduates

ObjectivesThe purpose was to construct a framework and a relevant evaluation system through various methods, which was consistent with the structure of nursing postgraduates'core competencies. Such evaluation system could be used to promote learning and improving besides assessing the capability of nursing postgraduates. It could also be the reference frame when developing training programs for nursing postgraduates. We expected it would help the reform of postgraduates training mode.MethodsWe explored the structure of core competencies and established relevant evaluation indicators through theory analysis, literature study, expert consultation and a small sample test. We also investigated 156 nursing graduate students and 194 nursing teachers including nursing managers from 5 nursing colleges,3 A-level hospitals and 1 special hospital in China, using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Item analysis and factor analysis were performed to reveal the construction and connotation of core competencies, and then the evaluation system of core competencies for nursing graduate students was constructed.ResultsThe evaluation system was built on rigorous testing, the reliability and construct validity were good. Cronbach's alpha of the total system was 0.960, and of each domain ranged from 0.773 to 0.896. The results of Split-half Reliability demonstrated that total system was 0.992 and each domain ranged from 0.683 to 0.878. Seven common factors were extracted after twice factor analysis, which could explain 64.823% of total variance. The indicators were highly sensitive, independent and representative.ConclusionsThe core competencies of nursing postgraduates includs seven dimensions:research capacity, leadership ability, education capacity, clinical capacity, management ability, interpersonal competence, critical thinking ability and capacity for development. The final index system has 7 capability dimensions and 41 indicators. It can be the basis when assessing the core competencies of nursing graduates.The innovation of this studyWe explored the structure of core competencies and the corresponding evaluation index system by various rigorous social science research methods of nursing postgraduates, with nursing postgraduates as research object. This study can make up the existing gaps in capacity assessment of students and enrich the related theories on how to evaluate and develop core competencies in the field of nursing education.Suggestions for further researchAccording to different research areas and individual difference of nursing graduates, the weights of each dimension in the evaluation index system should be added.