1 Introduction

The Practical Nursing (PN) Skills Performance Checklists provide the student and faculty with consistent skill evaluation tools which outlines the lab requirements of the student to successfully pass the Nursing Skills I and II courses.

Tested skills will be evaluated using the Practical Nursing Skill Performance Rubric based on R.H. Dave’s version of the psychomotor domain.^[1] The student is evaluated by testing the skills outlined in the Practical Nursing Skills Performance Checklists through direct examination of the skills.

The Practical Nursing faculty has determined the skills in the performance checklist are a safety concern if not passed prior to clinical. All other skills will be assessed by faculty observation in the Nursing Skills lab.

Observation is defined as an assessment of the skill by faculty being present in the lab and spot checking the students as they practice and perform the skills.

All skills are tested through other methods of evaluation such as: assignments, tests and exams.

Successful Performance Criteria

1. The student will be expected to discuss the assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation required of each skill where appropriate.
2. The student must competently perform each implementation aspect of the skill.
3. All criteria will be evaluated for safety and accuracy.
4. The criteria must be successfully completed at a level 3 or greater.
5. The Practical Nursing Skill Performance Rubric (PNSP Rubric) will be used to evaluate the skill.
6. If the student does not successfully pass the skills test, the student must consult with the faculty to set learning goals and schedule a retest.
7. The student may only be retested twice after initial testing.
8. Successful demonstration of all skills plus a passing grade in the theory component is required to pass the Nursing Skills I and II courses.
9. A failing grade in the skills lab portion of your courses is not eligible for appeal.

The faculty’s initials indicate competence which is defined as knowledge, skill, ability, attitude and judgment to perform the skill. Students are expected to maintain competency of all skills throughout the program.