ABSTRACT
AIM: To gain an understanding of patterns of retention and attrition for student nurses on the diploma of higher education (DipHE)/bachelor of science (B.Sc.) (adult) on completion of the common foundation programme (CFP=year 1 of the programme). METHOD: A questionnaire called the "interview score sheet" (ISS) collected data on six cohorts from a Higher Education Institution in Scotland. At the initial recruitment interview each candidate was scored independently by two interviewers on the ISS. Successful/unsuccessful attempts of theory-based and practice-based modules, and any reasons for attrition were recorded throughout the CFP. For the purposes of this study success was defined as achieving a pass grade in all modules associated with year 1 of the programme. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study investigated the potential of the ISS in providing a reliable guide for student selection onto the DipHE/B.Sc. in nursing (adult) and providing information about the characteristics of a typical successful/unsuccessful student from the CFP. ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between the total score on the ISS, any characteristics on the ISS and the students' successful completion of the CFP. RESULTS: Six-hundred and thirty-eight students entered the CFP: 118 (18%) were unsuccessful and 520 (82%) were successful completers of the CFP. From the characteristics noted at interview on the ISS, the most reliable predictor of success was age. The total score achieved on the ISS was shown not to be a reliable predictor of success. Although not statistically significant, testing of numeracy and standard and content of written work may be of some value in predicting success and may warrant further study.
Subject(s)
Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate , School Admission Criteria/statistics & numerical data , Student Dropouts , Students, Nursing , Surveys and Questionnaires/standards , Absenteeism , Age Factors , Aptitude Tests/standards , Attitude of Health Personnel , Educational Status , Humans , Logistic Models , Motivation , Nursing Education Research , Predictive Value of Tests , Scotland , Student Dropouts/psychology , Student Dropouts/statistics & numerical data , Students, Nursing/psychology , Students, Nursing/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
AIM: To develop an interview score sheet (ISS) to assist with the selection of student nurses on the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)/Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) (Adult). METHOD: A pilot study was undertaken over a 6-month period to design and used a questionnaire to collect information on the candidate at interview. This questionnaire was called the "interview score sheet" (ISS). Using the ISS, each candidate was scored independently by two interviewers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study was used to evaluate the usefulness of a score sheet at interview in aiding with the selection of candidates. Also the study was used to identify the demographics of the candidates and to assess the consistency of the scoring system. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty six candidates, ageing from 16 to 51 years were interviewed over 6 months. Ninety of the candidates were accepted onto the course. The highest score achievable on the ISS was 40, and the lowest was 2. Of those candidates accepted (n=90) the average score was 28, and for those candidates rejected (n=36) the average score was 20.6. CONCLUSION: The ISS proved to be a useful tool to decide on candidate suitability. Those candidates accepted onto the course were more likely to be scored higher than those rejected. FUTURE STUDY: Correlation of scores with firstly the characteristics of the successful candidates, and secondly with the characteristics of those who did not complete the 3-year programme.
