Determining attainment of nursing standards : the use of behavioural cues to enhance clarity and transparency in student clinical assessment

Internationally nursing is largely a regulated profession, that is, topractice as a nurse, nurses need to be licensed or registered. The InternationalCouncil of Nurses (ICN) believes ‘that profession-led nursing regulationcontributes to public protection and quality patient outcomesthrough establishing, promoting and enforcing standards of practice’(International Council of Nurses, 2013). The regulatory body in eachcountry where a nurse practices requires to set standards of practice(International Council of Nurses, 2013). This is essential to ensure themaintenance of high-quality care, that is, nurses have the knowledge,skills and ability to practice based on the best available evidence, takinginto consideration legal, and ethical issues and the need for collaborationwhen delivering compassionate care in complex health care environments.Of greater significance is that these standards are understoodand clearly communicated.