DEFINING COMPETENCE IN NURSING (PART-II) - AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW

The reason for the present uncertainty in defining nursing competency is analysed. The prevailing educational philosophy underpinning nursin g preparation for competence is subjected to a critique. The effect an d outcome of this philosophy on clinical supervision, PREP and the law are considered in relation to nursing competence. It is concluded tha t because nursing competency is only vaguely and broadly defined, prep aration and assessment of competency is haphazard and unstructured; an d hence a potential safety hazard for both patient and nurse. It is su ggested that the UKCC needs to assume responsibility for ascertaining nursing competence; and a four-point framework is proposed for setting and testing national standards of nursing competency.