The development and testing of a community health nursing clinical evaluation tool

This article describes the process of developing and testing a clinical evaluation tool for a community health nursing course in a baccalaureate program for registered nurses. The study was qualitative with a multimethod approach to data collection. The development of the tool included collaboration with community health nurses from urban and rural areas within the province of Manitoba, faculty, and students who were currently enrolled in the community health nursing course. Development of the tool consisted of a review of the literature and focus groups with community health nurses and faculty. A list of behaviors deemed important was derived. Construct validity of the behaviors was tested using a number of strategies with the students, clinical advisors, faculty, and agencies. Testing for item clarity and apparent internal consistency followed. The evaluation tool was pilot-tested and the outcomes of its use are discussed.