Competence of clinical teachers:A survey on perception of masters of nursing specialist postgraduates, their clinical teachers, and head nurses

Objectives:To explore the current admittance situation of clinical teachers for masters of nursing specialist(MNS)postgraduates and to test the competence of clinical teachers in self-evaluation and other evaluations.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,using a random number table,we chose 80 MNS postgraduates under clinical practice,their clinical teachers,and head nurses each from six hospitals in Hunan and Guangdong.The participants were tested on the basis of the Clinical Teachers'Competence Inventory of MNS Postgraduates.The competences of clinical teachers were evaluated by the three groups of participants.Results:The aggregated scores of teacher competence as evaluated by the MNS postgraduates(181.33±24.95)were lower than those assigned by both clinical teachers(190.75±24.30)and their head nurses(198.53±18.90),with significant differences in all dimensions except for clinical managing ability.The five highest rated items from all participants focused on the teachers'clinical nursing ability,and the five lowest rated items were mainly about their clinical research ability.Conclusion:The evaluation from MNS postgraduates is obviously lower than the self-evaluation of clinical teachers,and all participants are aware of the deficiency in research ability of the teachers.Thus,the admittance and examination of clinical teachers should be controlled strictly.Training should be carried out immediately to strengthen their comprehensive abilities,especially their research ability.

The concept and characteristics of clinical practice ability in Master Degree of Nursing (specialty)

The concepts of ability, practice ability, and professional practice ability were analyzed using a theoretical research method. Based on the results of the analysis, the concept of clinical practice ability for Master Degree of Nursing（specialty） students was de？ned, and the characteristics were interpreted to provide references for future in-depth studies.

Self-Evaluation of Masters in Nursing Program: Postgraduates’ Networks

Background: To ensure quality and relevance of Postgraduate Programs are a commitment of the National Quality Postgraduate Programs (PNPC), and those from UNAM. Then, the self-evaluation of the Masters in Nursing Program (PME) is necessary for it to be part of the PNPC. This study focuses on self-evaluation of implementation mechanisms to assure effective communication and collaboration with and among graduated alumni. Methods: The research was qualitative, exploratory and descriptive. An informed consent was signed by four informants, graduated from the seventeenth generation of PME. Data collection from a focal group and descriptive data analysis by atlas.ti from guidance questions that were contrasted with the scale value from PME curriculum. Results: Four categories emerged from PME graduated alumni: Category I, Professional academic performance, Category II, International activities attendance, Category III, Academic networks, and Category IV, Higher satisfaction of international activities. Conclusions: It is concluded that self-evaluation shows a graduate’s vision of conditions and networks where PME develops. Masters in Nursing Program fulfills graduates expectancy to create networks, which will contribute to knowledge and recognition of professional practice, as well as on the area’ opportunities opening for better contributions.