The validity and reliability of an instrument to assess nursing competencies in spiritual care

Aim. This study contributes to the development of a valid and reliable instrument, the spiritual care competence scale, as an instrument to assess nurses’ competencies in providing spiritual care. Background. Measuring these competencies and their development is important and the construction of a reliable and valid instrument is recommended in the literature. Design. Survey. Method. The participants were students from Bachelor‐level nursing schools in the Netherlands (n = 197) participating in a cross‐sectional study. The items in the instrument were hypothesised from a competency profile regarding spiritual care. Construct validity was evaluated by factor analysis and internal consistency was estimated with Cronbach’s alpha and the average inter‐item correlation. In addition, the test–retest reliability of the instrument was determined at a two‐week interval between baseline and follow‐up (n = 109). Results. The spiritual care competence scale comprises six spiritual‐care‐related nursing competencies. These domains were labelled:
1 assessment and implementation of spiritual care (Cronbach’s α 0·82)
2 professionalisation and improving the quality of spiritual care (Cronbach’s α 0·82)
3 personal support and patient counseling (Cronbach’s α 0·81)
4 referral to professionals (Cronbach’s α 0·79)
5 attitude towards the patient’s spirituality (Cronbach’s α 0·56)
6 communication (Cronbach’s α 0·71). These subscales showed good homogeneity with average inter‐item correlations >0·25 and a good test–retest reliability. Conclusion. This study conducted in a nursing‐student population demonstrated valid and reliable scales for measuring spiritual care competencies. The psychometric quality of the instrument proved satisfactory. This study does have some methodological limitations that should be taken into account in any further development of the spiritual care competence scale. Relevance to clinical practice. The spiritual care competence scale can be used to assess the areas in which nurses need to receive training in spiritual care and can be used to assess whether nurses have developed competencies in providing spiritual care.     

Development of a 32-item scale to assess postoperative dysfunction after upper gastrointestinal cancer resection

Aim. The purpose of this study was to develop a 32‐item scale to assess postoperative dysfunction in patients who underwent surgery for gastric and oesophageal cancer and to evaluate its reliability and validity. Background. For the objective assessment of postoperative dysfunction in patients with upper gastointestinal cancer, we performed a preliminary survey by mail using a 34‐item questionnaire as a initial version. The results of the survey were assessed by item analysis of the scale. The scale items were further refined by researchers and specialists, and a 32‐item scale for the assessment of postoperative dysfunction (initial scale) was developed. Methods. Using this 32‐item scale (initial scale), a mail survey was performed of 379 subjects selected by random sampling. Results. The questionnaire was returned by 292 patients (77·1%) and 283 responses (74·7%) were valid. Of these, 221 respondents had gastric cancer and 62 oesophageal cancer. The mean age of respondents was 64·9 SD 9·8 (range 35–89) years. The mean total score of the 32‐items on the initial version for the assessment of postoperative dysfunction was 60·8 SD 16·7. The mean total score for gastric cancer patients and oesophageal cancer patients was 58·1 SD 15·8 and 70·1 SD 16·7 respectively. After the elimination of scale items regarded as irrelevant based on statistical considerations and the judgement of experts, factor analysis was performed. Seven factors were valid: ‘regurgitation reflux’, ‘limited activity because of decreased food consumption’, ‘passage dysfunction immediately after eating’, ‘dumping‐like symptoms’, ‘transfer dysfunction’, ‘hypoglycaemic symptoms’ and ‘diarrhoea‐like symptoms’. The cumulative proportion of variance by scale reliability was confirmed by a Cronbach's α‐coefficient of 0·926. The Cronbach's α‐coefficient for all 32 items on the initial version was 0.926, the Cronbach's α‐coefficient for sub‐items was 0·705–0·856, and Pearson's correlation coefficient of re‐test for the total score of the 32 items was 0·865, which confirmed a high degree of internal consistency. The construct validity of the scale was confirmed using the known‐group technique by operative procedures, and from the result of factorial validity. This scale was named ‘Postoperative Dysfunction for Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer 32; PODUGC‐32’. Conclusion. This scale is sufficiently reliable and valid and will be useful clinically. Relevance to clinical practice. We can use the new scale to assess postoperative dysfunction in patients with upper gastointestinal cancer for nursing practice.     

Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure: psychometric testing with Chinese nursing students

Title. Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure: psychometric testing with Chinese nursing students. Aim. This paper is a report of the psychometric testing of the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure with Chinese nursing students. Background. Although the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure has been widely used to measure educational environments in the healthcare professions, no psychometric evaluation of the measure with Chinese nursing students has been reported. Method. Data from 214 nursing students were collected during a 2‐month period between December, 2004 and January, 2005. Exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency reliability and Cronbach’s alpha were examined. Results. Five factors were found by principal components analysis with Oblimin with Kaiser Normalization rotation. The original factor names were maintained, but items in each factor changed. These five factors all achieved eigenvalues >1, and in total accounted for 52·186% of the variance. Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0·623 to 0·9 across factors, with an overall alpha of 0·949. Conclusion. The Chinese version of the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure could be a valuable measurement for nursing educators in professional development programmes and nursing curriculum design. Further studies need in different Chinese nursing schools and larger sample sizes to be conducted to validate its stability and factor structure.     

Taiwanese translation and psychometric testing of the revised illness perception questionnaire for patients with traumatic injury

Aims. The purpose of this study was to undertake a cross‐cultural adaptation, translation and psychometric analysis of the Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised for patients with traumatic injury in Taiwan. Background. Illness representations are the cognitive understandings and emotional responses individuals develop, which help to determine their responses to health threats. Methods. This methodological study involved four phases. First, two subscales, identity and causes were modified. Second, translation and back translation was undertaken by four translators, moderated by an expert committee. Third, ten patients with traumatic injury pilot tested the feasibility and readability of the Chinese Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised (Trauma), and three professionals assessed the scale for content validity, resulting in minor modifications. Finally, 173 patients with traumatic injury were recruited to the main study and completed the Chinese Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised (Trauma). Item analysis, factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha and split‐half reliability were used to the psychometric properties of the Chinese Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised (Trauma). Results. Eight items were removed from the scale as a result of the item analysis. The factor analysis demonstrated a six‐factor structure explained 60·3% of the total item variance in the scale, which was very similar to the original scale. The Cronbach’s alphas ranged from 0·69–0·80 for each subscale, and the split‐half reliability coefficients were from 0·70–0·82. Conclusion. The Chinese Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised (Trauma) had good psychometric properties. Relevance to clinical practice. Translation of the instrument into Chinese extends its utility to the traumatic injury population. Awareness of patients’ illness representations can help clinicians provide appropriate interventions to patients.     

Psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the American nursing activity scale in an intensive care unit

Aim. To report the development and psychometric testing of the Dutch version of the Nursing Activity Scale in a Dutch intensive care unit nursing population. Background. The Nursing Activity Scale developed by Schutzenhofer measures professional clinical autonomy, by inquiring about the nurses’ intention to exercise their own clinical decisions. This autonomy is increasingly relevant due to the ongoing professionalization, nurses increasingly have to make their own clinical decisions. Design. Instrument development. Method. The study was conducted from November 2007–February 2008 and consisted of the following steps: translation, expert panel content validation, reliability testing and further content validation, test–retest stability examination, additional internal consistency, and validity assessment. Results. After the first reliability testing two items seen to describe a situation not applicable to intensive care unit nursing in the Netherlands were deleted from the questionnaire. In the test–retest stability assessment the intra class correlation coefficient was 0·76. The Cronbach’s alpha of the final questionnaire was 0·82. The alphas of the subsamples with higher scores were significantly different from those with lower scores, supporting the validity of the weighing of the items. Conclusion. The Dutch version of the nursing activity scale consists of 28 items and provides the opportunity to measure professional clinical autonomy for Dutch intensive care nurses using a well‐established method.     

Validity and reliability of Turkish Caregiver Burden Scale among family caregivers of haemodialysis patients

Aims and objectives. To investigate the validity and reliability of the Caregiver Burden Scale in family members who provide primary care for haemodialysis patients. Background. In Turkey, there is a need for a multi‐dimensional instrument to evaluate the caregiver burden in people who provide care for patients with chronic diseases. Design. A methodological study. Methods. The study sample consisted of 161 family members who provide primary care for haemodialysis patients. The forward‐backward translation method was used to develop the Turkish Caregiver Burden Scale. The reliability was based on internal consistency investigated by Cronbach’s alpha and item–total correlation. The factorial construct validity of the scale was tested with confirmatory factor analysis. By means of convergent and divergent validity, correlation between Caregiver Burden Scale and 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and correlation between Caregiver Burden Scale and the Maslach Burnout Scale were investigated. Results. Cronbach’s alpha and item–total correlations results suggested that there was good internal reliability. We found five underlying factors similar to original Scale’s five‐factor solution. The confirmatory factor analysis five‐factor model represented an acceptable fit. Factor loadings were significant, with standardised loadings ranging from 0·43–0·81. By means of divergent validity, all sub‐dimension scores and the total score of the Caregiver Burden Scale were negatively correlated with the SF‐36, whereas there was a positive correlation with the emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation subscales of the Maslach Burnout Scale as expected. Conclusion. These results suggest that the Caregiver Burden Scale is a reliable and valid instrument which can be used with confidence in Turkish caregivers for haemodialysis patients to screen caregiver burden. Relevance to clinical practice. The burden experienced by people who provide care for patients with chronic diseases can be evaluated with the Caregiver Burden Scale. Additionally, the Caregiver Burden Scale can be used in the evaluation of the effectiveness of attempts to decrease caregiver burden.     

Nursing students' perceptions of the importance of caring behaviors

Title. Nursing students’ perceptions of the importance of caring behaviours Aim. This paper is a report of a study to determine the nursing students’ perceptions of the importance of caring behaviours. Background. Caring has been considered as the essence of nursing. It is believed that caring enhances patients’ health and well‐being and facilitates health promotion. Nursing education has an important role in educating the nurses with adequate caring abilities. Method. Ninety nursing students (response rate 75%) responded to a questionnaire consisting of 55 caring behaviours adapted from items on Caring Assessment Questionnaire (Care‐Q). Behaviours were ranked on a 5‐point Likert‐type scale. The caring behaviours were categorized in seven subscales: ‘accessibles’, ‘monitors and follows through’, ‘explains and facilitates’, ‘comforts’, ‘anticipates’, ‘trusting relationship’ and ‘spiritual care’. Data were collected in Iran in 2003. Findings. The students perceived ‘monitors and follows through’ (mean = 4·33, SD = 0·60) as the most and ‘trusting relationship’ (mean = 3·70, SD = 0·62) as the least important subscales. ‘To give patient’s treatments and medications on time’ and ‘to do voluntarily little things…’ were the most and least important caring behaviours, respectively. ‘Explains and facilitates’ statistically and significantly correlated with age (r = 0·31, P = 0·003) and programme year (r = 0·28, P = 0·025). Gender had no statistically significant influence on students’ perceptions of caring behaviours. Conclusion. Further research is needed, using longitudinal designs, to explore nursing students’ perceptions of caring behaviours in different cultures, as well as evaluation studies of innovations in curriculum and teaching methods to improve learning in relation to cultural competence and caring concepts.     

Adapting the Individualized Care Scale for cross‐cultural comparison

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 392–403
Adapting the Individualized Care Scale for cross‐cultural comparison Rationale: Cross‐cultural comparative studies using reliable and valid instruments can increase awareness of the differences and similarities between health worker’s ability to respond to patients’ individual needs within different health systems. This will enable a better understanding of cultural perspectives in individualized nursing care. Aim: To describe the translation and adaptation process of the Individualized Care Scale (ICS) and examine its reliability and validity in a cross‐cultural study. Design: A cross‐sectional comparative study. Settings: Twenty‐seven orthopaedic and trauma in‐patient units at 14 hospitals in 5 countries. Participants: A total of 1126 patients were included in the study: Finland (n = 425), Greece (n = 315), Sweden (n = 218), UK (n = 135) and USA (n = 33). Methods: A systematic forward‐ and back‐translation procedure using bilingual techniques, a committee approach, pretest techniques and pilot testing were used with a convenience sample to produce a valid ICS for each participating group. Psychometric evaluation of the adapted ICS was based on means, SD, missing data analysis, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and average inter‐item correlations. Construct validity was examined using sub‐scale correlations to total scales and principal components analysis. Results: The use of the range of options and the sub‐scale mean scores ranging from 2.72 to 4.30 demonstrated the sensitivity of the scale. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (0.77–0.97) and average inter‐item correlations (0.37–0.77) were acceptable. The sub‐scale correlations to total scales were high (0.83–0.97). The underlying theoretical construct of the ICS was demonstrated by the explained variances ranging from 58% to 79%. Conclusions: The ICS shows promise as a tool for evaluating individualized care in European cultures. The international expansion of an existing instrument developed for one country facilitates comparative studies across countries. There is a need to further test the construct validity and appropriateness of the ICS in different settings in European and nonwestern cultures.     

Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the selection,optimization, compensation questionnaire

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 460–467 Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the selection, optimization, compensation questionnaire Background: The model of selection, optimization and compensation has been proposed as a model of adaptive management strategies throughout the lifespan. Aim: The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of a translated Swedish version of the 12‐item selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) questionnaire. Method: The 12‐item SOC questionnaire is composed of four subscales: elective selection (ES), loss‐based selection, optimization and compensation. A convenience sample of 122 Swedish‐speaking people, aged 19–85, participated in a study of the validity and reliability of the SOC questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, corrected item–total correlation and Cronbach’s alpha if item deleted were used for reliability testing. Two other scales, the ways of coping questionnaire and Rosenberg’s self‐esteem scale, were used to test convergent validity, and the geriatric depression scale was used to test discriminant validity. Stability over time was evaluated using a test–retest model with a 2‐week interval. Results: The 12‐item SOC questionnaire showed a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.50, and the subscales ranged from α = 0.16 to α = 0.64. Two items in the ES subscale had negative values on the corrected item–total correlation and showed substantial improvement (>0.05) in Cronbach’s alpha when item deleted. When these two items that influenced internal consistency were deleted, Cronbach’s alpha rose to 0.68. Conclusion: The Swedish version of the 12‐item SOC questionnaire showed deficiencies in a test of internal consistency because of two items in the ES subscale, and these two items were deleted. A consequence of the reduction is a weakening of the ES subscale and thereby to some extent the SOC questionnaire in total. Further testing is advisable. However, the 10‐item SOC questionnaire was acceptable in a test of validity and reliability.     

Psychometric testing of the Chinese version of the Contraceptive Behavior Scale: a preliminary study

Aims and objectives. To test the psychometric characteristics of a five‐item Chinese Contraceptive Behavior Scale (CBS) among female adolescents in Taiwan. Background. Improving contraceptive practice is important for reducing adolescent pregnancy. A scale for measuring contraceptive behaviour of sexually active female adolescents will help nurses promote contraceptive practices to sexually active female adolescents. Design. A cross‐sectional design. Methods. Based on literature review and interview with female adolescents, a five‐item CBS was developed. Using convenience sampling, 525 sexually active female adolescents were invited to complete the (anonymous) CBS. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), contrasting group validity and concurrent validity were tested to examine the validity of CBS. A multiple‐group analysis was used to test the cross‐validation of the structure of CBS in two groups. Cronbach’s α and test–retest reliability were used to examine the reliability of CBS. Results. One factor was produced by exploratory factor analysis. Each item significantly loaded on the CBS by CFA. A multiple‐group analysis indicated that the structure of CBS was reliable across two different samples. The overall chi‐square and model fit indices were χ² = 13·554, df = 8, p = 0·094, normed fit index = 0·992, comparative fit index = 0·994 and root mean square error of approximation = 0·036 (90% CI = 0·001, 0·069). The scores of CBS significantly correlated with subscales of perceptions of benefits to contraception (r = 0·47, p < 0·001) and subscales of perceptions of barriers to contraception (r = ?0·29, p < 0·001). CBS mean scores significantly differed between the participants who used and did not use contraceptives at first sexual intercourse (t = 10·00, p < 0·001). Cronbach’s α for the CBS was 0·81. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0·94. Conclusions. The CBS had satisfactory validity and reliability. Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses can use CBS to initiate discussions with sexually active female adolescents about their contraceptive practices and provide them with useful strategies to improve their contraceptive practices.     

Development and psychometric testing of the Nursing Workplace Relational Environment Scale (NWRES)

Aims and objectives. The aim of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Nursing Workplace Relational Environment Scale (NWRES). Background. A positive relational environment in the workplace is characterised by a sense of connectedness and belonging, support and cooperation among colleagues, open communication and effectively managed conflict. A poor relational environment in the workplace may contribute to job dissatisfaction and early turnover of staff. Design. Quantitative survey. Method. A three‐stage process was used to design and test the NWRES. In Stage 1, an extensive literature review was conducted on professional working relationships and the nursing work environment. Three key concepts; collegiality, workplace conflict and job satisfaction were identified and defined. In Stage 2, a pool of items was developed from the dimensions of each concept and formulated into a 35‐item scale which was piloted on a convenience sample of 31 nurses. In Stage 3, the newly refined 28‐item scale was administered randomly to a convenience sample of 150 nurses. Psychometric testing was conducted to establish the construct validity and reliability of the scale. Results. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 22‐item scale. The factor analysis indicated a four‐factor structure: collegial behaviours, relational atmosphere, outcomes of conflict and job satisfaction which explained 68·12% of the total variance. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the NWRES was 0·872 and the subscales ranged from 0·781–0·927. Conclusion. The results of the study confirm the reliability and validity of the NWRES. Replication of this study with a larger sample is indicated to determine relationships among the subscales. Relevance to clinical practice. The results of this study have implications for health managers in terms of understanding the impact of the relational environment of the workplace on job satisfaction and retention.     

中文版循证护理信念和实施量表的信效度分析

目的 译制中文版循证护理信念和实施量表,并检验其在国内护理人员中的信效度.方法 将Melnyk等研制的循证信念和实施量表进行汉化和修订,形成中文版循证护理信念和实施量表,对330名护理人员进行调查,采用项目分析测定量表各条目的鉴别能力,并测评其信效度.结果 中文版循证护理信念和实施量表包括两部分,信念量表含16个条目,3个因子模型拟合较好,各条目与其所属维度的相关系数为0.629 ～0.870,Cronbach＇s α系数为0.895;实施量表含18个条目,2个因子模型拟合较好,各条目与所属维度相关系数为0.795 ～ 0.997,Cronbach＇s α系数为0.972.结论 修订后的中文版循证护理信念和实施量表有较好的信效度,可用于评价护理人员循证护理信念及实施水平.     

Psychometric testing of the Chinese version of nursing practice environment scale

Aims. To test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Nursing Practice Environment Scale (C‐NPES) translated from the Lake’s Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and to explore nurses’ perceptions of the nursing work environments in Taiwan Background. Magnet hospitals are characterised by professional autonomy, control over nursing practice, adequacy of staffing, supportive management and effective interdisciplinary relationships, which are successful in attracting and retaining nurses. In Taiwan, this concept has gained importance since the SARS crisis of 2003. However, there have been limited Chinese instruments based on magnet hospital traits to explore Taiwan’s nursing work environment. Design. This study was designed as a cross‐sectional survey. Purposive convenience samples of 842 nurses were recruited from five acute hospitals in Taiwan. Internal consistency reliability, content validity using expert review, construct validity using factor analysis and criterion‐related validity were examined. Results. The Cronbach’s alphas were 0·90 for the total scale and 0·87–0·65 for the subscales. The validity was obtained using a content validity index and principal component analysis of five‐factor structure (variance explained 47·89%). The criterion‐related validity was supportive of the turnover rate (t = 7·84, p < 0·001). The participants disagreed on staffing and resource adequacy and participation in hospital affairs but agreed on professional development. Conclusion. The preliminary psychometric properties of C‐NPES have been established. Considering cultural appropriateness, the subscales of staffing and participation in hospital affairs need advanced modification. Relevance to clinical practice. The C‐NPES will provide hospital administrators with an overview of magnet hospital settings for nursing practice. It is beneficial for the stabilisation of the nursing workforce as well as for the optimisation of nursing work environments. Additionally, the use of professional development programs to enhance nurses’ knowledge of SARS prevention is favorable.     

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTEDA psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in patients with coronary heart disease

Aim. To evaluate further the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as a screening instrument for anxiety and depression in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease in Xian, China. Background. There is considerable evidence that anxiety and depression are common in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A valid, reliable and sensitive screening tool that can be used readily on this group of patients would be useful for assessment, intervention and outcome evaluation. Design. A single group, cross‐sectional study. Method. Measurement performance was tested on 314 Chinese patients with coronary heart disease and repeated on 173 of them two weeks later. Results. The Chinese version of HADS (C‐HADS) had acceptable internal consistency and test‐retest reliability, with a Cronbach alpha of 0·85 and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0·90, respectively. There was acceptable concurrent validity with significant (p < 0·05) correlations between the anxiety and depression subscales of the C‐HADS and CHD patients’ perceived health status as measured by the Chinese Mandarin version of the Short Form‐36 health survey (CM:SF‐36). Principal components analysis revealed a three‐factor solution accounting for 53% of the total variance. The three underlying sub‐scale dimensions are depression, psychic anxiety and psychomotor anxiety. The responsiveness of the C‐HADS was also satisfactory with significant correlation between the changes in the C‐HADS score and the changes in the Mental Health domain of the CM:SF‐36 (p < 0·01). Finally, over one‐third of the patients demonstrated psychological distress. Conclusion. Empirical data support the C‐HADS as a reliable and valid screening instrument for the assessment of anxiety and depression in Chinese‐speaking patients with CHD. A tri‐dimensional scoring approach should be considered as potentially clinically useful for this group of patients. Relevance to clinical practice. The C‐HADS can guide and evaluate the delivery of psychological care for Chinese patients with CHD.     

Validation of the NOSCA – nurses’ observation scale of cognitive abilities

Aims and objectives. To examine the psychometric properties of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities. Background. Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities is a behavioural rating scale comprising eight subscales that represent different cognitive domains. It is based on observations during contact between nurse and patient. Design. Observational study. Methods. A total of 50 patients from two geriatric wards in acute care hospitals participated in this study. Reliability was examined via internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability. Construct validity of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities and its subscales were explored by means of convergent and divergent validity and post hoc analyses for group differences. Results. Cronbach’s αs of the total Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities and its subscales were 0·98 and 0·66–0·93, respectively. The item–total correlations were satisfactory (overall > 0·4). The intra‐class coefficients were good (37 of 39 items > 0·4). The convergent validity of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities against cognitive ratings (MMSE, NOSGER) and severity of dementia (Clinical Dementia Rating) demonstrated satisfactory correlations (0·59–0·70, p < 0·01), except for IQCODE (0·30, p > 0·05). The divergent validity of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities against depressive symptoms was low (0·12, p > 0·05). The construct validity of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities subscales against 13 specific neuropsychological tests showed correlations varying from poor to fair (0·18–0·74; 10 of 13 correlations p < 0·05). Conclusions. Validity and reliability of the total Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities are excellent. The correlations between the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities subscales and standard neuropsychological tests were moderate. More conclusive results may be found if the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities subscales were to be validated using more ecologically valid tests and in a patient population with less cognitive impairment. Relevance to clinical practice. Use of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities yields standardised, reliable and valid information about patient’s cognitive behaviour in daily practice. The Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities aids in tailoring nursing interventions to patients’ specific cognitive needs. We advocate the implementation of the Nurses’ Observation Scale for Cognitive Abilities both in research and at geriatric units in acute care hospitals.