Innovation in values based public health nursing student selection: A qualitative evaluation of candidate and selection panel member perspectives.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Values based recruitment emerges from the premise that a high degree of value congruence, or the extent to which an individual's values are similar to those of the health organization in which they work, leads to organizational effectiveness. The aim of this evaluation was to explore how candidates and selection panel members experienced and perceived innovative methods of values based public health nursing student selection. DESIGN AND SAMPLE The evaluation was framed by a qualitative exploratory design involving semi-structured interviews and a group exercise. Data were thematically analyzed. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with selection panel members. Twenty-two successful candidates took part in a group exercise. INTERVENTION The use of photo elicitation interviews and situational judgment questions in the context of selection to a university-run public health nursing educational program was explored. RESULTS: While candidates were ambivalent about the use of photo elicitation interviews, with some misunderstanding the task, selection panel members saw the benefits for improving candidate expression and reducing gaming and deception. Situational interview questions were endorsed by candidates and selection panel members due to their fidelity to real-life problems and the ability of panel members to discern value congruence from candidates' responses. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques offered innovative solutions to candidate selection for entry to the public health nursing education program.