Determining attainment of nursing standards: The use of behavioural cues to enhance clarity and transparency in student clinical assessment

Internationally nursing is largely a regulated profession, that is, to practice as a nurse, nurses need to be licensed or registered. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) believes ‘that profession-led nursing regulation contributes to public protection and quality patient outcomes through establishing, promoting and enforcing standards of practice’ (International Council of Nurses, 2013). The regulatory body in each country where a nurse practices requires to set standards of practice (International Council of Nurses, 2013). This is essential to ensure the maintenance of high-quality care, that is, nurses have the knowledge, skills and ability to practice based on the best available evidence, taking into consideration legal, and ethical issues and the need for collaboration when delivering compassionate care in complex health care environments. Of greater significance is that these standards are understood and clearly communicated