Application of a Tool for the Assessment of Core Competencies of Nursing Tutors in Selected Nurses Training Schools in Sri Lanka

Introduction: Competencies of nursing tutors (NTs) are critical factors in improving the quality of nursing education. However, assessment of tutor competencies is not systematically happening in Nurses Training Schools (NTSs) in Sri Lanka.

 

Objective: This research project was carried out to assess the feasibility of using a core competency assessment tool to assess the competencies of NTs in NTSs in Sri Lanka.

 

Design: This was a quasi -experimental research project conducted in eight randomly selected state NTSs in Sri Lanka. It was planned in three phases.

Methods: The pre -interventional study was conducted in eight randomly selected NTSs to identify the existing practices used for the assessment of core competencies of NT s and to identify any gaps and issues. The main intervention i.e. development of a NT competency assessment tool and supportive strategies was implemented in three selected NTSs for three months. The post -interventional assessment was conducted to assess the feasibility of the new tool.

 

Results: Results of the pre -intervention assessment identified that there were no formal competency assessment practices or validated assessment tools in NTSs in Sri Lanka. NTs expressed a high need of a mechanism for competency assessment. Post - intervention assessment showed that there was a high satisfaction among the NTs on the characteristics of the new tool, implementation process and the assessment process. Further, the number of self and supervisor assessments performed during the period and the utilization of assessment results have increased. Finally, outcomes demonstrated that the interventions were feasible to be implemented in NTSs in Sri Lanka.

 

Conclusion: The new competency assessment tool with the established process for the sustainability was accepted as feasible to assess the competencies of NT s in NTSs in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it was recommended to implement this project in other NTSs to improve the level of nursing education in the country.