Grading Clinical Students..

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · May 7, 2005

You are experiencing the conflict that just about every clinical instructor faces in the first few years. Often we don't know what grade to assign as we are either way too strict or way too lenient, or inconsistent. The lack of experience feeds the lack of confidence, which some of the more aggressive students can sense. Trust me - It does get better with time. I would suggest conferring with your director or other experienced instructors in your program. Ninety percent of the students (in my limited experience) are fine and will make great nurses as long as they are given sufficient guidance, instruction, and encouragement. Ten percent of the students (again, in my limited experience) can present serious safety, critical thinking, preparation, or integrity issues. These situations are very challenging (sometimes agonizing) for the novice clinical instructor to handle. Proper documentation is very important. Take the time to go over the guidelines for your program's clinical competencies in each area (we have four separate areas - professionalism, nursing process, skills, and medications). Go down the list as you objectively grade each student's performance. Did they meet the criteria or not? If not, be sure to give detailed, specific examples on the clinical tool. Again, seeking guidance from a more experienced instructor is essential. Let another instructor look over your documentation and give suggestions for improvement.