Sorting out triage

Article Abstract:

The triage system of patient assessment, where a designated nurse attends to a patient on arrival and determines the seriousness of the patient's injuries or illness, is being adopted in many A&E departments as a way to prioritise cases and reduce waiting times. The triage nurse is able to send a patient to the most appropriate part of the department as quickly as possible, and is also able to deal with patients whose condition is best treated by a GP. High standards of training and extensive experience are necessary for a good triage nurse, and full cooperation from all other members of the A&E department is also essential.

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Canadian competence

Article Abstract:

Two methods of assessing student nurses are used in Canada, the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and the triple jump system. Assessment of nursing students by watching them work is considered too subjective because affable personalities and an ability to speak well were always rated highly regardless of clinical ability. The OSCE tests interpersonal and technical skills while the triple jump system tests self direction and problem solving. Both methods gauge decision making ability, but the triple jump test is seen as slightly better in that regard.

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Taxing assessments

Article Abstract:

Assessment should ideally provide students with frequent, detailed feedback and enable them to monitor the progress they are making, rather than simply enabling teachers to check that the student has learnt and remembered facts. Assessment of nursing students should include students' ability to apply skills and knowledge in a realistic clinical environment. A good example is objective structured clinical assessment (OSCA) which checks students' ability to satisfy pre-published criteria and takes place in an artificial clinical context using a simulated patient.

Study and teaching, Nursing

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