Keywords

clinical course, clinical performance, grade inflation, grading, nursing students

 

Authors

  1. Seldomridge, Lisa A. PhD, RN
  2. Walsh, Catherine M. PhD, RN

Abstract

This study examined the presence of grade inflation in clinical courses 9 years after implementing strategies to improve grading precision. A comparison of clinical grades for cohort I (1997-2002) with cohort II (2009-2016) showed statistically lower grades in 2 courses (Adult 1 and Maternity) for cohort II. Suggestions for changing the way clinical experiences are planned, executed, and evaluated are provided.