THE IMPACTS OF SKILL TEST ON BACCALAUREATE STUDENT NURSES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Introduction: The skill test in Hong Kong nursing education is a type of collegial assessment used to evaluate student nurses' skill competency in performing nursing procedures on manikins. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate how the collegial skill test affects baccalaureate student nurses' learning. Setting: A private higher education institution in Hong Kong Participants: Fourth-year student nurses who completed the skill test and their first clinical practicum Method: This was a qualitative research study; a semi-structured focus group interview was used. Results: Six students were interviewed and five themes were identified: reflective learning, peer learning, self-directed learning, stress and enhanced relationships with classmates. Conclusion: Reflective learning, peer learning and self-directed learning are related to the development of knowledge during preparation for the skill test. The feedback received from teachers and the discrepancy among students lead students to reflect on what is wrong with their understanding of concepts. Thus, the students take the initiative to search for additional relevant information from a variety of resources. Students establish that this type of learning further consolidates what they have learnt from lectures and that knowledge is retained in their long-term memory, which can be easily retrieved during their clinical practicum. Moreover, this learning experience facilitates their adaptation and transition from the classroom to real clinical settings because it builds their confidence. Stress is a common feature when students need to undergo any assessment. However, the participants of this study expressed that from another perspective, stress can be viewed as a positive motive that drives them to succeed. Furthermore, frequent practice with classmates enhances their relationships and promotes mutual support. To conclude, the skill test is not merely an assessment to measure student nurses' skill competency. It is also a good tool to promote deep learning.