Self-assessment programs enable nurses to assess aspects of their knowledge or practice in specific areas, topics or domains. Such programs help nurses identify areas where they may want to enhance their competence through further learning activities.
These programs are not tests. Instead, they use structured formats — such as multiple-choice or short-answer questions — that may include a clinical scenario and require participants to select the appropriate response. Participants receive feedback on the answers they selected to provide opportunities to identify areas for improvement and future learning.
Nurses who complete a CNA-accredited self-assessment program can claim the credits assigned to that program for their continuous learning activities and for CNA certification learning hours.
Self-assessment programs must be reviewed by CNA to be approved for CNA accreditation and they must be developed or co-developed by a nursing organization.