Abstract

Orientation checklists are traditionally lengthy, and are often missing measurable statements or sufficient verification methods to validate an employee's competence. Additionally, checklists focus on technical skills and often neglect other domains of competency, such as critical thinking and interpersonal interactions. A large academic medical facility sought to document meaningful orientation competencies that reflected performance expectations, rather than just "checking the box." Over a two year period, master's prepared nurses specializing in education, led a group to develop a process to create and validate orientation competencies. Nurses with varied experience and backgrounds participated in the process. After a literature review, the group identified categories of core competencies capturing the essence of the nurse's role. The group identified multiple verification methods appropriate to measure various domains of competency. Specialty areas added a limited number of competencies to address needs specific to their practice. The core competency categories and verification methods were communicated and implemented by the central nursing staff development committee. This new process provides structure and consistency for introductory nurse competencies, recognizes core knowledge common to all licensed nurses, acknowledges the needs of specialty care, and meaningfully validates competence within a document that is significantly more concise. This presentation provides evidence-based literature related to competency verification, an overview of the process taken to implement meaningful introductory competencies, and a sample of completed competency verification forms that can be used as a template for educators.

Author Details

Nicole Warner, MSN, RN-BC; Kristina Hoerl, MSN, RN-BC, CRN

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Competency Management, Outcomes, Orientation

Conference Name

2019 ANPD Annual Convention

Conference Host

Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD)

Conference Location

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Conference Year

2019

Rights Holder

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All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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Beyond Checking the Box: Developing Meaningful Introductory Competencies

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Orientation checklists are traditionally lengthy, and are often missing measurable statements or sufficient verification methods to validate an employee's competence. Additionally, checklists focus on technical skills and often neglect other domains of competency, such as critical thinking and interpersonal interactions. A large academic medical facility sought to document meaningful orientation competencies that reflected performance expectations, rather than just "checking the box." Over a two year period, master's prepared nurses specializing in education, led a group to develop a process to create and validate orientation competencies. Nurses with varied experience and backgrounds participated in the process. After a literature review, the group identified categories of core competencies capturing the essence of the nurse's role. The group identified multiple verification methods appropriate to measure various domains of competency. Specialty areas added a limited number of competencies to address needs specific to their practice. The core competency categories and verification methods were communicated and implemented by the central nursing staff development committee. This new process provides structure and consistency for introductory nurse competencies, recognizes core knowledge common to all licensed nurses, acknowledges the needs of specialty care, and meaningfully validates competence within a document that is significantly more concise. This presentation provides evidence-based literature related to competency verification, an overview of the process taken to implement meaningful introductory competencies, and a sample of completed competency verification forms that can be used as a template for educators.