Development of a criteria-based performance appraisal for emergency department staff nurses.

Developing a criteria-based performance appraisal tool is a rewarding effort, but not one to be taken lightly. It took weeks. At times, the project loomed as "mission impossible." A reflection of its success is the fact that other ED staff members (e.g., charge nurses, clerks, triageurs, and lab assistants) now want criteria-based performance appraisals for their positions. We have just finished a job description and criteria-based appraisal for laboratory assistants.