A new tool, the interpersonal Competence Instrument for Nurses, was ev
aluated for content validity and readability. Evaluators consisted of
a panel of 10 nursing experts. The instrument measures four categories
of tile patient-nurse interaction: translating, getting to know you,
establishing trust, and going the extra mile. The content validity ind
exes (CVI) for 14 of 15 behaviors within the four categories ranged fr
om .8 to 1.0 and are considered to have content validity. The CVI for
the 15th behavior clicking, war calculated as .7, and, thus, war modif
ied. The CVI for the entire instrument of III items was determined to
be .84. Readability analyzed with the SMOG formula established a grade
level of 8.09. Additional psychometric testing of the tool is in prog
ress. Internal consistency reliability is being evaluated through the
use of coefficient alpha and item analysis. Construct validity is bein
g estimated through the experimental approach. The internal structure
of the instrument is being assessed through factor analysis. Presuming
that this instrument continues to demonstrate validity and reliabilit
y with future testing, it will facilitate the evaluation of nurse-pati
ent interaction and promote focused education for nurses in the career
development continuum.