Support Review of Nursing Examination Program
Activity/project background
Partner: Eswatini Nursing Council (ENC) (Government)
The Eswatini Nursing Council (ENC) conducted a survey to identify gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes of new nursing graduates who were at the entry level of practicing nursing (two years and below). Managers were concerned about their gaps in clinical skills and application of nursing knowledge. Through the support of partners and the results of the survey, a new licensing exam program was initiated. Multiple choice questions were developed by teams of educators and clinical experts with a Clinical Competency Record Book (SCCRB) to assess newly graduate nurses’ competency in provision of safe and quality clinical care at an entry level.
The Entry to Practice Examination was piloted in 2019 with the graduating cohort of nursing students from the four nursing training institutions in the country. Starting in 2020, the Entry to Practice Examination was a requirement of all new graduates seeking registration and licensure with Eswatini Nursing Council. This program has been running since 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has not been reviewed since its launch as per the initial review plan.
ENC would like to engage a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to assist in the review of the Entry to Practice Examination program and strengthen the capacity of staff on the development of a question bank for nurses’ entry to practice examination.
The ENC has previously worked with a Peace Corps Volunteer. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Virtual service engagement and tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
• Provide guidance in the review of the entry to practice nursing competencies and indicators
• Support ENC staff in reviewing the entry to practice examination written multiple choice questions
• Participate in the review of the Standard Clinical Competency Record Book (SCCRB) for students’ entry to practice examination (ETP)
• Provide recommendations on the reviewed above documents
• Support and train staff to develop entry to practice examination questions according to the entry to practice nursing competencies and indicators
This engagement is expected to be approximately 27 weeks. VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week.
Meetings between VSPPs and Host Country Counterparts will take place during normal office hours, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eswatini time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Email, Zoom and WhatsApp for regular communication and collaboration.
Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0-18), two adults must be present.
Optional additional activities
The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:
- To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.
Essential qualifications
Education:
• Master’s degree in nursing science with nursing education or equivalent
• Registered Nurse (Current US Nursing Licensure is required)
Experience:
• 3 years of experience working with nursing profession regulatory bodies
• 3 years of experience in competency and accreditation process development for purposes of accreditation, registration, and certification in nursing
• 3 years of experience developing licensure examination questions
Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually
Desired qualifications
Education: PhD in nursing science with nursing education or equivalent
Technical Skills: Familiarity with virtual engagement and communication
Experience:
• 5 years of experience working with nursing profession regulatory bodies
• 5 years of experience in competency and accreditation process development for purposes of accreditation, registration, and certification in nursing
• 5 years of experience developing licensure examination questions
Terms and conditions of engagement
VSPPs will be engaging with the host country partner, in coordination with Peace Corps post staff, remotely from the US. They should have access to a computer, internet, and telephone in order to enable direct engagement with the Peace Corps overseas office and the Host Country Counterpart assigned by the host country partner.
Orientation with the host country partner will be provided, within the designated virtual service hours, during the first week of virtual service via an online presentation and discussion. The host country partner will provide an overview of its organization, the local context, and how they envision collaborating with the VSPP.
The VSPP will have regular check-ins with their counterpart and bi-weekly check-ins with Peace Corps staff. Spending unstructured time with counterparts can be critical to relationship-building and is encouraged through activities such as coffee chats and informal calls within the weekly 5-15 hours.
Engagement-specific safety and security
The VSPP will receive an orientation on Peace Corps’ Child Protection Policy and how it relates to online engagement along with IT security best practices. The VSPP will be expected to follow safety and security guidelines for online engagement to ensure their safety and that of the Host Country Partner and their counterpart, and any beneficiaries of the engagement.
Supervision requirements
The VSPP will report to a designated Peace Corps staff member. The VSPP will be expected to abide by the Virtual Service Pilot Participant and Donation Agreement and Participant Principles of Engagement. The VSPP will also be expected to check in with the designated host country counterpart as assigned by the host county partner.
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