Continuing Competence in Nursing

Continuing Competence in NursingWhat is continuing competence?Why is continuing competence important?How do you evaluate continuing competence?

What is Continuing Competence?

ANA Standards of Professional Nursing PracticeStandards of Practice Standards of Professional Performance

1. Assessment2. Diagnosis3. Outcomes Identification4. Planning5. Implementation6. Evaluation

Standards of Practice

Standards of Professional Performance7. Ethics8. Education9. Evidence-Based Practice and Research10. Quality or Practice11. Communication12. Leadership13. Collaboration14. Professional Practice Evaluation15. Resource Utilization16. Environmental Health

8. EducationThe registered nurse attains knowledge and competency that reflects current nursing practice.The registered nurse: Participates in ongoing educational activities related to appropriate knowledge bases and professional issues.

8. Education contd Demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning through self-reflection and inquiry to address learning and personal growth needs. Seeks experiences that reflect current practice to maintain knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment in clinical practice or role performance.

8. Education contd Acquires knowledge and skills appropriate to the role, population, specialty, setting, role, or situation. Seeks formal and independent learning experiences to develop and maintain clinical and professional skills and knowledge.

8. Education contd Identifies learning needs based on nursing knowledge, the various roles the nurse may assume, and the changing needs of the population.Participates in formal or informal consultations to address issues in nursing practice as an application of education and a knowledge base.

8. Education contd Shares educational findings, experiences, and ideas with peers. Contributes to a work environment conducive to the education of healthcare professionals.Maintains professional records that provide evidence of competence and lifelong learning.

9. Evidence-Based Practice and ResearchThe registered nurse integrates evidence and research findings into practice. The registered nurse: Utilizes current evidence-based nursing knowledge, including research findings, to guide practice.

9. Evidence-Based Practice and Research contd Incorporates evidence when initiating changes in nursing practice.Participates, as appropriate to education level and position, in the formulation of evidence-based practice through research.Shares personal or third-party research findings with colleagues and peers.

14. Professional Practice EvaluationThe registered nurse evaluates her or his own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, relevant statutes, rules, and regulations.The registered nurse: Provides age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate care in a culturally and ethnically sensitive manner.

14. Professional Practice Evaluation contd Engages in self-evaluation of practice on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength as well as areas in which professional growth would be beneficial.Obtains informal feedback regarding her or his own practice from healthcare consumers, peers, professional colleagues, and others.Participates in peer review as appropriate.

14. Professional Practice Evaluation contd Takes action to achieve goals identified during the evaluation process.Provides the evidence for practice decisions and actions as part of the informal and formal evaluation processes.

14. Professional Practice Evaluation contd Interacts with peers and colleagues to enhance her or his own professional nursing practice or role performance.Provides peers with formal or informal constructive feedback regarding their practice or role performance.

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES OF MONTANA 12/31/10 24-16805NURSING 24.159.2102Subchapter 21Renewals and Continuing EducationADMINISTRATIVE RULES OF MONTANA

Administrative Rules contd24.159.2101 STANDARDS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION(1)Continuing education for nurses is formal training that:(a) provides new knowledge and skills to assist with advanced clinicaldecision making;(b) offers greater depth of knowledge and skills in a particular area of nursingrole or practice;(c) enhances professional attitudes and behaviors;

Administrative Rules contd(d) advances career goals;(e) promotes professional development and currency in nursing practice;(f) supports innovation and creativity in nursing practice;(g) implements change within the individual's nursing practice and withinhealthcare; or(h) addresses new and developing standards of nursing practice.

Why Is Continuing Competence Important?

ANA Nursing Code of EthicsProvision 5: The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth.

Nursing Code of Ethic contd5.2 Professional growth and maintenance of competence Though it has consequences for others, maintenance of competence and ongoing professional growth involves the control of ones own conduct in a way that is primarily self-regarding. Competence affects ones self-respect, self-esteem, professional status, and the meaningfulness of work.

Nursing Code of Ethic contdIn all nursing roles, evaluation of ones own performance, coupled with peer review, is a means by which nursing practice can be held to the highest standards. Each nurse is responsible for participating in the development of criteria for evaluation of practice and for using those criteria in peer and self-assessment.

Nursing Code of Ethic contdContinual professional growth, particularly in knowledge and skill, requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Such learning includes, but is not limited to, continuing education, networking with professional colleagues, self-study, professional reading, certification, and seeking advanced degrees.

Nursing Code of Ethic contdNurses are required to have knowledge relevant to the current scope and standards of nursing practice, changing issues, concerns, controversies, and ethics. Where the care required is outside the competencies of the individual nurse, consultation should be sought or the patient should be referred to others for appropriate care.

How Do You Evaluate Continuing Competence?

ToolsNursing Professional Development PlannerA tool to assist in evaluating your nursing practice

Video Clips

14. Professional Practice EvaluationThe registered nurse evaluates her or his own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, relevant statutes, rules, and regulations.The registered nurse: Provides age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate care in a culturally and ethnically sensitive manner.

14. Professional Practice Evaluation contd Engages in self-evaluation of practice on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength as well as areas in which professional growth would be beneficial.Obtains informal feedback regarding her or his own practice from healthcare consumers, peers, professional colleagues, and others.

14. Professional Practice Evaluation contd Participates in peer review as appropriate. Takes action to achieve goals identified during the evaluation process.Provides the evidence for practice decisions and actions as part of the informal and formal evaluation processes.

14. Professional Practice Evaluation contd Interacts with peers and colleagues to enhance her or his own professional nursing practice or role performance.Provides peers with formal or informal constructive feedback regarding their practice or role performance.