Development and psychometric testing of the Ascent to Competence Scale

摘要: Summary Aim This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of Ascent to Competence Scale, an instrument designed measure nursing students' perceptions quality their clinical placement experience. Background The key purpose placements is facilitate learning progress toward attainment competence. competence requires personal commitment active involvement students; support guidance academic staff; environments that are welcoming inclusive students. Method items for Scale were identified following a critical review literature. Content face validity established by expert panel. During 2010 was tested with third year students (n = 88) from one Australian university. Exploratory factor analysis promax oblique rotation used determine construct Cronbach's coefficient alpha determined scale's internal consistency reliability. Results final scale demonstrated satisfactory (alpha 0.98). yielded three-component structure termed “Being welcomed”; “Belongingness” “Learning competence”. Each subscale high consistency: 0.89; 0.96; 0.95 respectively. Conclusion provides fresh perspective on as it allows relationship between belongingness, be explored. reliable valid this cohort. Further research in different contexts would valuable extending upon work. Relevance practice profiled will benefit both educational healthcare institutions. use quantified yardstick, such important evaluating efficacy programs, partnerships higher education health services.