The Validity and Reliability of an Evaluation Tool for Nursing Management Practicum

Introduction: Lack of an evaluation tool with objective criteria is one of the problems in evaluation process specially in nursing management practicum. Considering the role of evaluation in assuring nursing students’ management skills, this study was designed to develop a specific tool for measuring their management skills and determine the validity and reliability of this tool. Methods: At first, through literature review and expert panel sessions, the objectives of nursing management practicum were determined. Then, using Delphi technique, 56 important criteria were developed and the domains and criteria of evaluation were designed by Bars technique. A panel of experts was used to confirm content and face validity. Reliability was determined by a descriptive study in which 30 nursing students from one of Tehran’s nursing schools were evaluated by this tool and the reliability was estimated by split half and inter-rater reliability. The data was analyzed by SPSS software, using Pearson Correlation Coefficient and reliability analysis. Result: A dual evaluation tool was provided for nursing instructors and head nurses. The face and content validity were confirmed by experts. The internal consistency and inter-rater reliability were confirmed by r>./8 as well. Conclusion: The designed tool with acceptable validity and reliability is appropriate to apply in clinical environment for evaluating the management skills of nursing students. Applying this instrument can improve the effectiveness of clinical education activities of nursing management instructors and students