MAKASSAR, Indonesia April 18 2026/NMHEALTH/ – When we talk about healthcare quality, we often focus on doctors, technology, or hospital facilities. But one key element is often overlooked how we assess the performance of nurses. Are we truly measuring what matters?
A study titled “Nurses’ Performance Assessment Based on Nursing Clinical Authority: A Qualitative Descriptive Study”, published in the Journal of Nursing Practice by Universitas Strada Indonesia in December 2023, takes a closer look at this issue . The research explores how nurses’ performance is evaluated based on their clinical authority, and whether current assessment methods reflect their actual contributions in patient care.
The study highlights that nurses play a critical role in healthcare systems. They are responsible not only for carrying out medical instructions but also for making clinical decisions within their authority. This includes monitoring patient conditions, providing interventions, and ensuring safety throughout the care process.
However, the findings reveal a gap between responsibility and evaluation. In many cases, performance assessments still focus on administrative tasks rather than clinical decision-making. This means that the true value of nurses’ expertise and judgment is not fully recognized.
Another key issue is the lack of clear standards and guidelines for evaluating clinical authority. Without standardized criteria, assessments can become subjective and inconsistent. This can affect not only nurses’ motivation but also the overall quality of healthcare services.
The study also emphasizes the importance of leadership and institutional support. Hospitals need to create systems that recognize and support nurses’ clinical roles. This includes providing clear job descriptions, ongoing training, and fair evaluation methods that reflect real clinical practice.
This issue is closely related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which focuses on improving healthcare quality and ensuring safe, effective services for all. When nurses are properly evaluated and supported, they are more likely to perform at their best, leading to better patient outcomes.
In addition, improving performance assessment systems can also strengthen accountability and professionalism within the nursing workforce. When expectations are clear and evaluations are fair, nurses can develop their skills with confidence and purpose.
So, what can be done? The study suggests that healthcare institutions should develop standardized performance assessment tools based on clinical authority. These tools should measure not only routine tasks but also critical thinking, decision-making, and patient-centered care.
Training programs should also be strengthened to help nurses understand their clinical roles and responsibilities. At the same time, leaders must ensure that performance evaluations are transparent, consistent, and aligned with real-world practice.
In conclusion, this study reminds us that measuring performance is not just about checking boxes—it is about recognizing true contributions. Nurses are more than assistants; they are skilled professionals with clinical authority that directly impacts patient safety and recovery.
By improving how we assess nurses’ performance, Indonesia can take an important step toward achieving SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, ensuring better healthcare for all. After all, when nurses are empowered and fairly evaluated, everyone benefits especially the patients they care for.
Reference:
DOI: Https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28317
Contact:
Prof. Rini Rachmawaty, S.Kep., Ns., MN, PhD
0812 1391 6730
