Give the student an exam that covers concepts related to clinical nursing studies such as the maintenance of a sterile field, proper way to insert intravenous medication and how to calculate dosages of medications based on a patient's age, gender and preexisting medication. See if a pattern can be discerned that tells you where the nurse has struggled with specific areas of nursing practice such as math or biochemistry that were not adequately addressed during her previous undergraduate work.
Ask the student to write an essay about her own performance. A student may be unaware of why she received an unsatisfactory rating during her clinical studies. The essay should address all aspects of her training including exactly which patient populations she worked with as well as her homework assignments and interactions with supervisors. An essay can help illuminate a student's perceptions of her actions.
Speak with the student's supervisors directly. If you have had no contact with the student before, get in touch with all nursing staffers that she worked with. A supervisor may have produced a written report about the student's performance but questions may still remain afterward. Find out exactly what problems the student faced during her work and why she was given a nonpassing grade.
Have the student take remediation lessons. A student may not need to retake entire classes but she might take specific lessons and attend ongoing demonstrations about how to change a patient's bandage or insert a needle.
Write up a plan of action. The plan should indicate exactly what the student must do in order to earn a satisfactory grade in the future. Have the student participate in writing the plan with you. She should understand exactly what must be done to complete her nursing degree or certification. The plan should be in writing and signed by the student and her direct faculty adviser. Copies should be given to the student and kept on file in school at all times.