Student nurses must show a mastery of academics. Student nurses should be tested on their knowledge of basic academic concepts. An effective nurse should be able to perform such tasks as calculating a dosage of medication and telling patients how to create a diet that adheres to their caloric requirements. In order to perform these tasks well a nurse must have a base of knowledge in math and an understanding of the principles of nutrition.
Observe a student nurse's interaction with patients. As part of their undergraduate education, student nurses will work directly with patients in a health-care setting. During this time they will learn to observe patients closely and listen to their health-care concerns. Student nurses should be able to use techniques such as effective listening that allow patients to feel at ease in their presence. They should also learn how to manage multiple competing patient needs at the same time.
Observe their willingness to correct mistakes. Learning to be a nurse takes careful preparation and hard work. A student nurse must demonstrate their ability to absorb new material that might be unfamiliar to them. Student nurses should be able to admit when they are having problems to a supervisor. The nurse should be able to work through any mistakes they make during their training and learn how to correct them. Students who are unable to acknowledge their mistakes, let alone work to learn how to be aware of such mistakes, might put a patient's life in danger.
Grade their understanding of nursing policies and practices. Student nurses should be able to perform medical procedures such as maintaining a sterile field, changing a dressing; inserting a catheter and helping patients alleviate their pain. Such procedures must be performed in a specific manner to help reduce infection and reduce a patient's need for unnecessary needle sticks or extra medical procedures. Student nurses should be able to do such tasks quickly and competently while staying calm.