Concept Analysis: Competency
Competency
The purpose of this concept analysis was to further explore uses of the concept and theoretically define how important the multidimensional aspects of competency are to the professional practice of nursing.
Competency is essential to the profession of nursing, and providing a clear theoretical definition of competency is only the first step. The competency of all nurses and healthcare providers must be assessed to provide safe care, protect the public, and maintain the credibility of nurses. Standards must be established and adhered to both in practice and evaluation of competency.
The Oxford English Dictionary describes competency as the ability to deal with a subject, and as the “sufficiency of qualification” (OED, 1989). Merriam-Webster Online defines competence as “a sufficiency of means for the necessities and conveniences of life” and “having sufficient knowledge” to enable an action. In legal terms, competency refers to an individual who exhibits the ability to act prudently in give circumstances, including the ability to perform a job or an occupation, or to reason or make decisions (Dusky v. U.S., 1960). The meanings of competency are varied and include the ability of a person to perform a job (Woodruffe, 1993); skills that are developed in a pattern (Bradley & Huseman, 2003); a behavior or series of actions that can be demonstrated, observed, and assessed (Manley & Garbett, 2000)
According to Walker and Avant (1995), defining attributes represent characteristics of a concept most frequently associated with the concept. These attributes appear repeatedly in references to the concept and are evident in both the theoretical and operational definitions making the concept unique and identifiable.
Defining attributes of competency in nursing that appear consistently in the literature are:
(a) knowledge
(b) actions
(c) professional standards
(d) internal regulation
Review and analysis of literature exploring competency reveal
The purpose of this concept analysis was to further explore uses of the concept and theoretically define how important the multidimensional aspects of competency are to the professional practice of nursing.
Competency is essential to the profession of nursing, and providing a clear theoretical definition of competency is only the first step. The competency of all nurses and healthcare providers must be assessed to provide safe care, protect the public, and maintain the credibility of nurses. Standards must be established and adhered to both in practice and evaluation of competency.
The Oxford English Dictionary describes competency as the ability to deal with a subject, and as the “sufficiency of qualification” (OED, 1989). Merriam-Webster Online defines competence as “a sufficiency of means for the necessities and conveniences of life” and “having sufficient knowledge” to enable an action. In legal terms, competency refers to an individual who exhibits the ability to act prudently in give circumstances, including the ability to perform a job or an occupation, or to reason or make decisions (Dusky v. U.S., 1960). The meanings of competency are varied and include the ability of a person to perform a job (Woodruffe, 1993); skills that are developed in a pattern (Bradley & Huseman, 2003); a behavior or series of actions that can be demonstrated, observed, and assessed (Manley & Garbett, 2000)
According to Walker and Avant (1995), defining attributes represent characteristics of a concept most frequently associated with the concept. These attributes appear repeatedly in references to the concept and are evident in both the theoretical and operational definitions making the concept unique and identifiable.
Defining attributes of competency in nursing that appear consistently in the literature are:
(a) knowledge
(b) actions
(c) professional standards
(d) internal regulation
Review and analysis of literature exploring competency reveal
References: Agency for Healthcare Quality and Management (AHQM). (2004). Bechtel, G. A., Davidhizar, R., & Bradshaw, M. J. (1999). Problem-based learning in a competency-based world Benner, P. (2001). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice (Commemorative ed.) Bradley, D., & Huseman, S. (2003). Validating competency at the bedside Bradshaw, A. (1997). Defining “competency” in nursing (part I): A policy review Meleis, A. (1997). Theoretical nursing development and progress (3rd ed.). Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2005). Retrieved June 12, 2006, from Walker, L Watson, R., Stimpson, A., Topping, A., & Porock, D. (2002). Clinical competence assessment in nursing: A systematic review of the Whelan, L. (2006). Competency assessment of nursing staff. Orthopaedic Nursing, 25, 198 –202. Wiemann, J. M., & Backlund, P. (1980). Current theory and research in communicative competence Woodruffe, C. (1993). What is meant by a competency? Leadership & Organization Development Journal