Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students

Before embarking on any professional or academic activity, it is important to understand the background, knowledge, and experience you bring to it. You might ask yourself, “What do I already know? What do I need to know? And what do I want to know?” This critical self-reflection is especially important for developing clinical skills such as those for advanced practice nursing. (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Clinical Skills List and Clinical Skills Self-Assessment Form provided in the Learning Resources can be used to celebrate your progress throughout your practicum and identify skills gaps. The list covers all necessary skills you should demonstrate during your practicum experiences.(Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

Just as you have in previous practicum courses, for this Assignment, you assess where you are now in your clinical skill development and make plans for this practicum. Specifically, you will identify strengths and opportunities for improvement regarding the required practicum skills. In this practicum experience, when developing your goals and objectives, be sure to keep assessment and diagnostic reasoning in mind. 

·       Review the resources and clinical skills in the PMHNP Clinical Skills List document. It is recommended that you print out this document to serve as a guide throughout your practicum. (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

·       Review the “Developing SMART Goals” resource on how to develop goals and objectives that follow the SMART framework.

·       Review the resources on nursing competencies and nursing theory, and consider how these inform your practice.

·       Download the Clinical Skills Self-Assessment Form to complete this Assignment.  

THE ASSIGNMENT

Use the PMHNP Clinical Skills Self-Assessment Form to complete the following:   

·       Rate yourself according to your confidence level performing the skills identified on the Clinical Skills Self-Assessment Form.  

·       Based on your ratings, summarize your strengths and opportunities for improvement.   

·       Based on your self-assessment and theory of nursing practice, develop 3–4 measurable goals and objectives for this practicum experience. Include them on the designated area of the form.   (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

Rubric

PRAC_6675_Week1_Assignment2_Rubric

PRAC_6675_Week1_Assignment2_Rubric

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRate yourself according to your confidence level performing the skills identified on the Clinical Skills Self-Assessment Form.

25 to >22.0 pts

Excellent

The response provides ratings for all skills on the form.

22 to >19.0 pts

Good

The response provides ratings for most of the skills on the form.

19 to >17.0 pts

Fair

The response provides ratings for some of the skills on the form.

17 to >0 pts

Poor

The response provides ratings for only a few skills on the form, or ratings are missing.

25 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBased on your ratings, summarize your strengths and opportunities for improvement.

30 to >26.0 pts

Excellent

The response provides an accurate, clear, and complete summary of both the strengths and opportunities for improvement.

26 to >23.0 pts

Good

The response provides an accurate summary of both the strengths and opportunities for improvement.

23 to >20.0 pts

Fair

The response provides a somewhat vague, inaccurate, or incomplete summary of both the strengths and opportunities for improvement.

20 to >0 pts

Poor

The response provides a vague, inaccurate, or incomplete summary of the strengths and/or opportunities for improvement, or the summaries are missing.

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBased on your self-assessment and theory of nursing practice, develop 3–4 measurable goals and objectives for this practicum experience. Include them on the designated area of the form.

30 to >26.0 pts

Excellent

The response provides 3–4 clear, appropriate, and measurable goals and objectives for the practicum experience.

26 to >23.0 pts

Good

The response provides 3–4 appropriate, measurable goals and objectives for the practicum experience.

23 to >20.0 pts

Fair

The response provides 3–4 unclear or inappropriate goals and objectives for the practicum experience.

20 to >0 pts

Poor

The response provides 3–4 unclear or inappropriate goals and objectives for the practicum experience, or goals and objectives are missing.

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting—Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused—neither long and rambling, nor short and lacking substance. Clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided, which delineates all required criteria.

5 to >4.0 pts

Excellent

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity…. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion is provided, which delineates all required criteria.

4 to >3.5 pts

Good

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time…. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are stated, yet are brief and not descriptive.

3.5 to >3.0 pts

Fair

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time…. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are vague or off topic.

3 to >0 pts

Poor

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity <60% of the time…. No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion were provided.

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting—English Writing Standards: The assignment follows correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation

5 to >4.0 pts

Excellent

Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.

4 to >3.5 pts

Good

Contains 1-2 grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

3.5 to >3.0 pts

Fair

Contains 3-4 grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

3 to >0 pts

Poor

Contains ≥ 5 grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting—APA Format: The assignment follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, parenthetical/in-text citations, and the reference list.

5 to >4.0 pts

Excellent

Uses correct APA format with no errors.

4 to >3.5 pts

Good

Contains 1-2 APA format errors.

3.5 to >3.0 pts

Fair

Contains 3-4 APA format errors.

3 to >0 pts

Poor

Contains ≥5 APA format errors.

5 pts

Total Points: 100

Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students

Clinical Skills Self-Assessment

Desired Clinical Skills for Students to Achieve	Confident (Can complete independently) (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	Mostly confident (Can complete with supervision)	Beginning (Have performed with supervision or needs supervision to feel confident) (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	New (Have never performed or does not apply)
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation skills in:
Recognizing clinical signs and symptoms of psychiatric illness across the lifespan	√
Differentiating between pathophysiological and psychopathological conditions  (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	√
Performing and interpreting a comprehensive and interval history and physical examination (including laboratory and diagnostic studies)  (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	√
Performing and interpreting a mental status examination  (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	√
Performing and interpreting a psychosocial assessment and family psychiatric history	√
Performing and interpreting a functional assessment (activities of daily living, occupational, social, leisure, educational). (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	√
Diagnostic reasoning skill in:
Developing and prioritizing a differential diagnoses list (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	√
Formulating diagnoses according to DSM 5-TR based on assessment data	√
Differentiating between normal/abnormal age-related physiological and psychological symptoms/changes (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	√
Pharmacotherapeutic skills in:
Selecting appropriate evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for medication plan (e.g., risk/benefit, patient preference, developmental considerations, financial, the process of informed consent, symptom management)  (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)		√
Evaluating patient response and modifying plan as necessary  (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)		√
Documenting (e.g., adverse reaction, the patient response, changes to the plan of care)		√
Psychotherapeutic Treatment Planning:
Recognizes concepts of therapeutic modalities across the lifespan (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	√
Selecting appropriate evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for a psychotherapeutic plan (e.g., risk/benefit, patient preference, developmental considerations, financial, the process of informed consent, symptom management, modality appropriate for the situation)  (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)		√
Applies age-appropriate psychotherapeutic counseling techniques with individuals and any caregivers	√
Develop an age-appropriate individualized plan of care. (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	√
Provide psychoeducation to individuals and any caregivers.	√
Promote health and disease prevention techniques. (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)
Self-assessment skill:
Develop SMART goals for practicum experiences		√
Evaluating outcomes of practicum goals and modifying plan as necessary  (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)		√
Documenting and reflecting on learning experiences		√
Professional skills:
Maintains professional boundaries and therapeutic relationships with clients and staff	√
Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to improve clinical practice in mental health settings.	√
Identifies ethical and legal dilemmas with possible resolutions (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)		√
Demonstrates non-judgmental practice approach and empathy	√
Practices within the scope of practice	√
Selecting and implementing appropriate screening instrument(s), interpreting results, and making recommendations and referrals:
Demonstrates selecting the correct screening instrument appropriate for the clinical situation  (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)	√
Implements the screening instrument efficiently and effectively with the clients	√
Interprets results for screening instruments accurately (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)		√
Develops an appropriate plan of care based on screening instruments’ response	√
Identifies the need to refer to another specialty provider when applicable	√
Accurately documents recommendations for psychiatric consultations when applicable.	√

The Clinical skills self-assessment is integral to nursing education and allows nursing students to identify professional development and educational needs to enhance patient care. The assessment allows learners to track academic and professional growth and help with future planning (Taylor et al., 2019). Additionally, it promotes reflective practice and self-monitoring skills, academic integrity through the learner’s self-reporting of academic progress, bolsters self-directed learning, improves student motivation and allows learners to develop various personal and transferable skills (Taylor et al., 2019). This paper aims to provide a rating of clinical competencies, assess strengths and areas of improvement, and set goals and objectives for further academic and professional development. (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

Summary of strengths:

My core clinical competencies and skills include comprehensive psychiatric evaluation skills. I can confidently identify clinical signs and symptoms of various psychiatric conditions across patients of all ages, differentiate between pathophysiological and psychopathological conditions, perform and interpret comprehensive and interval history and physical examination, a mental status examination, a psychosocial assessment, and family psychiatric history, and a functional assessment, including educational, activities of daily living, leisure, and occupational. My strengths also include diagnostic reasoning skills. Based on assessment data, I can confidently develop and prioritize a differential diagnosis list, formulate diagnoses per the DSM 5-TR, and differentiate between normal and abnormal age-related psychosocial and psychological symptoms. The DMS-5 enables accurate separation of symptoms (Newson et al., 2021). (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students) Additionally, I can work with patients of all ages and apply age-appropriate psychotherapeutic counseling techniques with clients and caregivers, create an age-appropriate individualized care plan, and offer psychoeducation to individuals and caregivers. I have also strengthened core competencies in maintaining professional boundaries and therapeutic relationships with patients and colleagues and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to enhance clinical practice in mental health facilities. Furthermore, I can confidently select the correct screening instrument appropriate for various clinical conditions and use the screening instruments effectively. These skills will be crucial in my clinical practice and will help improve patient care.     (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

Opportunities for growth:

Per the self-assessment, there are several areas I need to improve to grow professionally. I must improve my pharmacotherapeutic skills to bolster confidence in selecting appropriate evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for medication plans, evaluate patient response and adjust plans as necessary, and document medical information. I also need to grow my skills in selecting appropriate evidence-based clinical guidelines for psychotherapeutic plans. Evidence-based practice is a critical part of clinical practice in the current healthcare environment, and developing these skills is imperative to improving patient care (Li et al., 2019). Regarding my professional skills, I can better identify ethical and legal dilemmas with potential resolutions. Clinicians often experience ethical and clinical dilemmas and need to be able to identify them to effectively and proactively address them and minimize their effects on practice (Bipeta, 2019). Additionally, I need to improve my skills in accurately interpreting results from screening instruments. Accurate interpretation of results helps minimize medical errors that threaten the quality and safety of patients. (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

Nursing Theory

The theory of nursing expertise and intuition will guide the formulation of SMART goals based on the growth opportunities identified in the self-assessment. The theory aims to deepen clinicians’ understanding of intuition legitimacy as a way of knowing and help clinicians develop intuitive skills among colleagues (Valenzuela, 2019). It encourages the integration of analytical and objective information in clinical decision-making. Intuition should be combined with clinical knowledge and skills concerning patient care to enhance success chances.  

Now, write three to four (3–4) possible goals and objectives for this practicum experience. Ensure that they follow the SMART Strategy described in the Learning Resources. (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

1.      Goal: To select appropriate evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for medication plans accurately and appropriately and ensure I am fully confident by the 10th week. a.      Objective: To access online sources and professional websites reporting on evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for medication plans.  (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students) b.      Objective: To learn about ethical and legal aspects of medication and develop medication plans. c.       Objective: To engage the preceptor to learn more about evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to develop appropriate medication plans. (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)   2.      Goal: To evaluate patient response and modify care plans as necessary for at least ten patients by week 10.  a.      Objective: To learn data analysis skills to evaluate patient response and interpret evaluation results to adjust care plans.  b.      Objective: To obtain the best research literature to support the evaluation and modification of the care plans. c.       Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of the decisions and whether the adjusted plans fit the patient propositions.   3.      Goal: To document patient medical information, including adverse reactions, patient responses, and plan of care changes, to improve my rating concerning medical information documentation to 10/10. a.      Objective: To access evidence-based literature to support the identification of adverse reactions. b.      Objective: To accurately collect patient information for accurate and comprehensive documentation that supports clinical decision-making. c.       Objective: To identify necessary changes to care plans to enhance care delivery and ensure appropriate patient care.     4.      Goal: To learn about ethical and legal provisions in mental health practice so that by week 10, I can accurately identify ethical and legal dilemmas with potential resolutions.  a.      Objective: Learn about the relevant facts, laws, and principles of mental health practice to identify ethical and legal dilemmas in the practice environment. b.      Objective: Access evidence-based sources that offer insights into analyzing and determining possible courses of action when ethical and legal dilemmas arise. c.       Objective: Gain confidence in making critical decisions regarding ethical and legal dilemmas and engage colleagues to acquire insights into these dilemmas.

Conclusion

The self-assessment has indicated areas of strength and opportunities for growth. I am confident in multiple clinical skills and competencies and have several areas to improve, which I plan to do by week 10. I have set the goals and objectives that align with the growth opportunities, and I will try to ensure these goals and objectives are met by week 10. The results will be integral in my professional development and clinical practice improvement. (Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

Signature:

Date:

Course/Section:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a self-evaluation for a nursing student?

In a self-evaluation as a nursing student, reflect on your clinical experiences, skills development, and academic progress. Discuss your strengths, areas for improvement, and the steps you’ve taken to enhance your nursing abilities, showcasing a commitment to continuous learning and patient-centered care.(Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

What is self assessment in nursing?

Self-assessment in nursing refers to the process through which nurses critically evaluate their own clinical skills, knowledge, and performance to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for professional growth, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care they provide.(Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

How do you write a good self-evaluation example?

A strong self-evaluation example effectively highlights accomplishments, growth, and contributions while also acknowledging areas for improvement. It should provide specific instances of success, describe the strategies employed, and reflect a genuine commitment to continuous learning and development.(Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

What is clinical nursing skills?

Clinical nursing skills refer to the practical and hands-on abilities that registered nurses and nursing students develop to provide safe and effective patient care. These skills encompass tasks such as administering medications, performing wound care, monitoring vital signs, and executing various medical procedures within a healthcare setting.(Clinical Skills Self Assessment Example for Nursing Students)

References

Bipeta R. (2019). Legal and Ethical Aspects of Mental Health Care. Indian Journal of psychological medicine, 41(2), 108–112. https://doi.org/10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_59_19

Li, S., Cao, M., & Zhu, X. (2019). Evidence-based practice: Knowledge, attitudes, implementation, facilitators, and barriers among community nurses-systematic review. Medicine, 98(39), e17209. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017209

Newson, J. J., Pastukh, V., & Thiagarajan, T. C. (2021). Poor separation of clinical symptom profiles by DSM-5 disorder criteria. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.775762

Taylor, I., Bing‐Jonsson, P., Wangensteen, S., Finnbakk, E., Sandvik, L., McCormack, B., & Fagerström, L. (2019). The self‐assessment of clinical competence and the need for further training: A cross‐sectional survey of advanced practice nursing students. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(3-4), 545-555. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15095

Valenzuela, J. P. (2019). Theory of Nursing Intuition and Its Philosophical Underpinnings. Scientific & Academic Publishing. https://doi.org/ 10.5923/j.nursing.20190901.03