Observe the student during complex situations that require use of cognitive skills. Assess her decisions when solving critical clinical problems and evaluate communication methods using SBAR (situation, background, assessment and recommendation, the tool that promotes safety and efficiency) protocol when communicating pertinent patient information before treatments.
Evaluate the student's display of empathy to patients. Nurses often lend a shoulder to cry or hand to hold when patients are emotional. Many patients prefer to confide in their nurses instead of family members about their fears and anxieties.
Analyze the student's clinical nursing competence in autonomy. Assess her skill set when engaging in full patient care, without verbal cues or notes.