Perceptions of Mentors and Student Nurses towards the Practical Competence Assessment Tool at Masaka Comprehensive School of Nursing

Abstract

Background: The assessment tool book for Registered Comprehensive Nursing was introduced in the Uganda Nursing Education in 2005 with the main purpose of facilitating the Nurse Mentors in assessment in practical areas of RCN. The tool contributes to both the formative and summative assessment. Despite continued use of the assessment tool book, there is no study has been conducted to explore the perceptions of nurse mentors and students regarding the use of this tool. Purpose: To explore the mentors and students perceptions of the assessment tool for Registered Comprehensive Nursing. Methodology: A qualitative exploratory study design was used. The study was conducted at Masaka School of Comprehensive Nursing. The participants included final year 48 (3rd) students and 5 Nurse/Midwifery Mentors. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants and data were collected using 6 Focus Group Discussions and 5 Key Informant Interviews. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Study findings: Five (5) major themes emerged: 1) Orientation process of students and mentors to the assessment tool; 2) Students and mentors experience of the assessment tool; 3) Strengths of the assessment tool; 4) Challenges with the assessment tool; 5) Suggestions for improvement. The participants had a positive perception towards the assessment tool. Conclusion: The participants prized the design of the assessment tool book. However, the tool still has some challenges during its implementation by both the students and mentors such as failure to have immediate marking and signing by the mentors.