These competencies are validated through peer and manager observation, review of documentation, and discussion of daily practice. Each nurse's contribution to the unit, department, and hospital is reviewed and discussed. Nurses play active roles in their performance appraisal and in developing their own skills, knowledge, and goals. They receive better feedback. Peers who work together have a level of insight into each other's clinical practice.
Managers have insight into the nurse's performance and provide valuable feedback.
Peer conferences enable nurses to learn the strengths of their colleagues and have prompted them to seek advice and feedback from each other. Participation in the conference has generated an environment where nurses can informally discuss practices. Assessment of technical skills on the units has led to more frequent review of equipment usage and nursing procedures, and the performance plan has prompted self-learning. Partnerships have significantly improved. Nurses partner with each other, with patients, with managers, and with educators.