PMHNP student clinical evaluations

PMHNP clinical evaluation

Objective feedback identifies a student’s strengths and challenges and assists in the growth of skills and knowledge. Students appreciate honesty as they all truly want to do their best and what is in the best interest of the patients. From the first course, students should use these competencies for self-directed learning experiences. Students should check and date their self-evaluation status for each competency and seek validation of competency status by faculty members and preceptors.

Faculty will visit students and preceptors at the clinical site during the semester, evaluate the student during the clinical visit, grade clinical assignments, and monitor clinical log entries used to track students’ clinical experiences.

It is the student’s responsibility to provide the evaluation form to the preceptor. Students can access the form (see sample image below) in their PMHNP clinical courses. Once the evaluation form is completed, reviewed, and signed, it is also the student’s responsibility to submit the form to the school by the due date.

About the SCAR

Preceptors are required to evaluate students twice each semester according to the following guidelines:

  • Course-specific competencies are labeled and color-coded in the PMHNP Student Competency Achievement Report (SCAR). Preceptors are required to evaluate students on each course competency at mid-term and at the end of the semester.
  • Ratings are based upon Benner’s Stages of Clinical Competence as shown in the table's rating legend.
  • Unshaded areas signify performance expectations at mid-term and semester final points of evaluation. Some students will perform higher while others may function at a lower level.
  • When a student is performing outside of the expected level, preceptors should check the appropriate box in the shaded area and in the comment box at the bottom of the form, provide feedback (positive or constructive) to improve practice.
  • When a specific criterion is unobserved in a clinical experience, preceptors should check "NO" within the score box.
  • Preceptors should re-evaluate any competency areas from prior semesters previously marked Novice or Advanced Beginner rating.