Peer evaluation in nurses' professional development: a pilot study to investigate the issues

Peer evaluation in nursing is a method by which the nurse evaluates the wor k of a peer, according to set evaluation criteria. The aim of the study was to clarify the potential significance of peer eval uation with regard to nurses' career development and relates to the introdu ction of a career development programme for nurses in a Finnish University Hospital. The research concepts were created on the basis of literature analysis. The concepts served as a basis for data collection, and five open-ended questi ons were devised from them. Informants (n = 24) gave free-form essay-type a nswers to these questions. The material was analysed using qualitative cont ent analysis. The results indicate that self-evaluation constitutes the basis for peer ev aluation. Peer evaluation allows nurses to give and receive professional an d personal support promoting professional development. Professional support offers possibilities for change and alternative action. Personal support r equires respect for the peer's equality and individuality. Personal peer su pport can decrease feelings of uncertainty and insecurity caused by work. The conclusion is drawn that peer evaluation is a means of promoting nurses ' professional development to further on-the-job learning in collaboration with peers.