Development of an Integrated Clinical Nursing Practice Course for Improvement of Nursing Competency among Nursing Students

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an integrated clinical evaluation program to increase the competency of senior nursing students. Method: A cross-sectional one group test design was utilized. Based on a framework derived from the prior studies, an integrated clinical evaluation program was developed. In order to assess the effect of the developed program, the senior students' experience with the program was measured. The participants were senior nursing students and the program was performed on November, 2005 after their semester was all finished. Result: The evaluation score for ability in application of nursing process was 83.87 and nursing skill was 85.69 by evaluators. The students reported that the program provided a chance to relearn and practice basic nursing skills and it was helpful in increasing decision making competency and their ability to apply the nursing process. Conclusion: This study suggests that the integrated clinical evaluation program contributes to cultivating a nurse with comprehensive nursing competencies and to improve the nursing students' knowledge, attitude, and skill.