RESUMEN
AIM: To develop an instrument (Nurse Match: NM) for assessing a candidate's nursing values, their meaning, relative importance and emotional significance. Candidate's values to be scored against professionally preferred nursing values effectively and efficiently. DESIGN: A case study-based qualitative process with quantified output. Perception of self and others in relevant contexts using bi-polar value dimensions. METHODS: Respondents (N = 63) were first year nursing students completed the instrument and a feedback questionnaire. Data were analysed and scored by ipseus software using algorithm defined parameters. Statistical analysis: Minitab 17. RESULTS: The instrument discriminated effectively and efficiently between year one nurses in terms of the professional quality of their inherent nursing values and attributes;created suitability scores (STOT scores) for candidate screening purposes;suitability scores closely approximated normal distributions;was valid and reliable: robust in quantitative and qualitative terms;was administered, scored and interpreted in a standard manner;was easy to understand and complete and well received by participants. The NM instrument offers a standardized, effective, user friendly, screening process for values and attributes. Development work with a group of actual applicants is required. NM is complementary to other modes of assessment.
RESUMEN
From April 1st 2015 it will be mandatory for Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in the United Kingdom (UK) providing pre-qualifying health care higher education to use a Values Based Recruitment (VBR) tool, to ensure only the candidates with the "right" personal identity and values commensurate with the Professional Identity of Nursing (PIN) are accepted for nurse education. "Nurse Match" instrument was developed to enhance the recruitment and selection of candidates for pre-qualifying nursing. Action Research into PIN commenced with voluntary, purposive, convenience samples of qualified nurses (n = 30), Service Users (N = 10), postgraduate diploma nurses in mental health (N = 25), third year mental health branch students (N = 20) and adult and child student nurses in years 2 and 3 (N = 20) in Focus Groups. Data collection and analysis occurred concomitantly between July 2013 and October 2014, aided by NVivo 10 software and revealed Key Quality Indicators (KQIs) of the social construction of PIN. Construct development included a literature review spanning the last fifteen years, which identified four main themes; 1. Nursing's ethics and values. 2. Nursing's professional identity and caring. 3. Nursing's emotional intelligence. 4. Nursing's professionalism. Nurse Match offers an evidence-based enhancement to VBR, for future nurse recruitment locally, nationally and internationally.