A Psychometric Analysis of an Instrument that Tests Genetic Knowledge of Advanced Practice Nurses in Genetics

Abstract

<p>The purposes of this methodological psychometric study were to: 1) develop a criterion-referenced instrument using the steps outlined by Waltz, Strickland and Lenz (2005) to provide effective documentation of knowledge of advanced practice nursing in genetics; 2) determine the validity and reliability of the instrument; 3) compare pass/fail outcomes of nurses within and outside of the genetic specialty using the instrument; 4) compare pass/fail outcomes of Masters’ prepared and non-Masters’ prepared nurses using the instrument; and, 5) compare pass/fail outcomes of credentialed and non-credentialed advanced practice nurses in genetics using the instrument. An additional proposed aim, to evaluate congruence between instrument pass/fail outcomes and Genetic Nursing Credentialing Commission (GNCC) portfolio pass/fail outcomes, was not able to be fulfilled. </p>