[Nursing students assessment in simulated conditions : in search of meaning and ethics].

A thought about the assessment in simulated conditions is at the origin of this research-action conducted at the Institute of Nursing Education of Chambery, France. Indeed, the differences in the assessment procedures between units that require this kind of validation and the disappointing rate of success at the examinations in simulated situations have led the trainers to raise the following question : « How can these assessments be meaningful and consistent with the goal of training (help to become autonomous and reflexive practitioners) » ?This issue was addressed with concepts such as socioconstructivism, simulation in health, assessment and ethical principles. The change of practices has been the application of the principles of ?educative? assessment according to G.

[Role of the portfolio in skills assessment].

The portfolio is used in monitoring the student's pathway and in his or her assessment, a fundamental tool for the acquisition of skills. Chambéry hospital has created a tutoring training course and teams from the hospital and nurse training institute work closely together on the portfolio, the essential requirements and the assessment of students' practice during work placements.