As I forge ahead with the building of the WHNP 2 hybrid course I struggle with multiple things. How do I deliver content so that students can take that knowledge and then perform tasks? I have decided on content delivered online through recorded PowerPoint, zaption quizzes, and Voice Thread rounds. However, the ultimate test is if the students can pass the skills portion of the course working with simulated patients.
When I reviewed the assessment strategies it was clear that I am much more focused on the authentic assessment. I think in general most clinically focused courses are (or should be focused in that manner). The following comparison from the Mueller article highlights what we specifically look at in nursing simulations. Nurses need to be able to proficiently perform tasks in real life situations. They need to apply knowledge in situations that may not be “textbook”.
Traditional ——————————————— Authentic
Selecting a Response ———————————— Performing a Task
Contrived ————————————————————— Real-life
Recall/Recognition ——————————- Construction/Application
Teacher-structured ————————————- Student-structured
Indirect Evidence ——————————————– Direct Evidence
My strengths are in the creation of realistic simulation experiences as well as delivering content in a relate able and practical way. My area of weakness is creating rubrics that are meaningful and measurable. I generally adapt other rubrics for what I need but am not sure that they are truly valid or as concise and specific as needed.
Yes I think as a patient I would like my nurses to have the more authentic assessment 🙂 Re. rubrics is there a way they could be created by the class? See the reading I refer to below?
Disclaimer: I know approximately zero about nursing, so I have no idea if what I’m saying makes any sense.
Is there a way to break the tasks they must perform into their most basic components and use those as an assessment? So, for example, if they’re giving someone an injection, break it into:
1. Introduction: explain to patient what’s going to happen
2. Preparation: lay out materials, swab the area with alcohol
3. Execution: poke in the correct place, don’t drop anything
4. Conclusion: make sure there’s not profuse bleeding, apply bandaid, provide any follow-up information (“might be sore for a few days,” “tell us if it turns black and the skin falls off” etc)
Like I said, I know nothing about nursing, and I’m terrified of needles, so take what I say with a heap of salt :).