Assessing Nurse Competency in the Veterans Health Administration Registered Nurse Transition-to-Practice Residency Program: Item Pool Content Validation.

Abstract

New graduate registered nurse (RN) competencies are complex and difficult to measure. Psychometrically sound tools are needed to evaluate competencies for nurses participating in nurse residencies. Project aims were to develop an item pool for a tool to measure new graduate RN competencies for the Veterans Health Administration RN Transition-to-Practice Residency Program; validate item pool content; and use consensus methods to improve item pool content validity. A sequential, mixed-methods design was used. Item pool creation, content validation, and revisions included a collaborative process with the evaluation team, operational stakeholders, and subject matter experts (SMEs). Inclusion of SMEs in item development enhanced item pool content validity to measure nurse competency. Stakeholder feedback ensured programmatic logistical and evaluation concerns were met. Engaging SMEs in conceptualization, item development, and aligning existing standards enhanced item pool content validity to measure nurse competencies for new graduate RNs.