A national study of selection processes for student nurses and midwives

Background: This paper presents the main findings from a project that aimed to evaluate selection processes for the recruitment of student nurses and midwives. Objectives: The main objectives were to: 1.Explore the literature regarding the efficacy, reliability and validity of face-to-face interviewing and related selection processes as selection tools for the recruitment of student nurses and midwives. 2.Ascertain the views/perceptions of key stakeholders in relation to the interview and selection process and (where possible) the outcomes of these initiatives regarding their influence on appropriate recruitment, selection and retention. 3.Review existing models of face-to-face interviewing from across HEIs in Scotland against criteria using a structured method. Design: The evaluation was designed principally to achieve explanation, with multiple case study methodology adopted as the main approach. Within this ambit mixed methods of data collection involving questionnaires and interviews were used. Participants: Seven of the Scotland-based Higher Education Institutions participated in the research, with participation from Admissions Tutors, clinical interviewers, academic interviewers, and students. Methods: The methods included: a scoping questionnaire with follow-on questionnaire to elicit views on the strengths and limitations of chosen selection processes; interviews and focus groups to build on these findings. Analytical approaches were congruent with the chosen data collection approaches. Findings: HEIs typically have rationales for their various chosen approaches to selection. However, our findings indicate that there is a lack of evidence for most selection approaches particularly in relation to interviewing. There is a growing evidence-base for the use of multiple mini interviews, and emotional intelligence testing. Conclusions: There is a need to work collectively cross-UK to bring together the evidence-base around selection so that processes and decision-making are as valid, reliable, effective and transparent as possible.