Can an interview score sheet assist with student selection onto the bachelor of science/diploma of higher education (adult) nursing programme?: Findings from a pilot study

SummaryAimTo develop an interview score sheet (ISS) to assist with the selection of student nurses on the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)/Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) (Adult).MethodA pilot study was undertaken over a 6-month period to design and used a questionnaire to collect information on the candidate at interview. This questionnaire was called the “interview score sheet” (ISS). Using the ISS, each candidate was scored independently by two interviewers.Main outcome measuresThe study was used to evaluate the usefulness of a score sheet at interview in aiding with the selection of candidates. Also the study was used to identify the demographics of the candidates and to assess the consistency of the scoring system.ResultsOne hundred and twenty six candidates, ageing from 16 to 51 years were interviewed over 6 months. Ninety of the candidates were accepted onto the course. The highest score achievable on the ISS was 40, and the lowest was 2. Of those candidates accepted (n = 90) the average score was 28, and for those candidates rejected (n = 36) the average score was 20.6.ConclusionThe ISS proved to be a useful tool to decide on candidate suitability. Those candidates accepted onto the course were more likely to be scored higher than those rejected.Future studyCorrelation of scores with firstly the characteristics of the successful candidates, and secondly with the characteristics of those who did not complete the 3-year programme.