Contents Page Competency Framework for Practice Nursing : A Framework for Nurses, employers and educational providers 4 The benefits of the Competency Framework for : General Practitioners and other employers 5 For Commissioners 5 Higher Educational Institutes 5 Practical Application of the Framework 6 Financial remuneration 6 Accountability 6 Qualifications 7 Designation Education, Training and Development Clinical Development 7 7 7 The Competency Framework for Practice Nurses 8 Common Competencies 9 Competency 1 Communication 10 Competency 2 Legal, Ethical and Professional standards for all nurses working as a practice nurse. Competency 3 Health and Safety Competency 4 Practice Development Competency 5 Quality Competency 6 Equality and Diversity Competency 7 Practice Management and Leadership 11 12 13 14 15 16 Pathway Competencies Family and Public Health Competencies Competency 1 Screening and Health Promotion Competency 2 Immunisation Competency 3 Travel Health Competency 4 Sexual Health Competency 5 Family Planning Competency 6 Women’s and Men’s Health 17 18 18 18 19 19 20 21 Contents Page
Long Term Conditions Competencies Competency 1 Long Term Conditions - Competencies common to all LTC Competency 2 Asthma Competency 3 COPD Competency 4: Cardiovascular Disease Competency 5 Diabetes Mental Health and Psychological Care Competencies Competency 1 First Contact, Access and Urgent Care Competencies Competency 1 - Wound Management Competency 2: Triage and Minor Illness Competency 3 Ear Care 22 22 23 23 24 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 Glossary of Terms 29
Pathway Competencies Patient Pathway Competencies - Family and Public Health Competency 1 - Screening and Health Promotion Competent Nurse - Level 5 Experienced /proficient Nurse - Level 6 Lead Nurse - Level 7 To demonstrate competence at this level the PN is able to To demonstrate competence at this level the PN fulfils points at level 5 and is able to To demonstrate competence at this level the PN Fulfils points at 5 & 6 and is able to 1 Conduct a health needs assessment, screening new and existing patients Identify normal and abnormal results and take appropriate action and make appropriate referrals Manage health screening programmes for population groups within the practice Take a proactive approach when addressing existing and responding to new health assessment initiatives for the practice population Works with other members of the multidisciplinary team in response to above. 2 Offer lifestyle advice including nutrition, smoking and exercise, for all patients with particular focus on at risk groups eg: children, CHD and diabetic patients Provide individual and group support for patients working towards lifestyle changes Ensure that all health promotion initiatives are developed in line with Local and National Public Health recommendations and policies Competency 2 Immunisation Competent Nurse - Level 5 Experienced /proficient Nurse - Level 6 Lead Nurse - Level 7 To demonstrate competence at this level the PN is able to To demonstrate competence at this level the PN fulfils points at level 5 and is able to To demonstrate competence at this level the PN Fulfils points at 5 & 6 and is able to 1 Administer immunisations to adults and children in line with Patient Group Directions Develop and work to Patient Group Directions and ensure the practice PGDs remain updated and signed Manage the implementation of an adult and childhood immunisation service within the practice, ensuring an accurate recall system is in place. 2 Advise parents and patients appropriately regarding vaccine preventable disease Develop and ensure updated patient literature is available for all immunisations and vaccinations administered Manage and develop systems for 'catch up' campaigns and ensure all documentation is in line with local and National guidelines 3 Demonstrate a clear understanding of the British National Schedule Recognise when there is a deviation from the British National Schedule and refers when appropriate. Demonstrate the ability to manage any deviation from the National Schedule in line with National guidelines and advise clinicians appropriately Work in liaison with local PCT to ensure PGDs comply with legal requirements. Works to ensure regular review and update and training needs of clinicians Competency 3 - Travel Health
Competent Nurse - Level 5 Experienced /proficient Nurse - Level 6 Lead Nurse - Level 7 To demonstrate competence at this level the PN is able to To demonstrate competence at this level the PN fulfils points at level 5 and is able to To demonstrate competence at this level the PN Fulfils points at 5 & 6 and is able to 1 Perform a competent risk assessment using up-to-date resources. Demonstrates knowledge of common travel related illness and advises travellers accordingly. Provide a holistic approach to travel health and is able to advise patients with more complex travel health needs i.e pregnancy, immunosupression and the elderly travelling to yellow fever endemic regions. Accept referrals and interpret risk assessment in unusual or special circumstances. Competency 4 Sexual Health Competent Nurse - Level 5 Experienced /proficient Nurse - Level 6 Lead Nurse - Level 7 To demonstrate competence at this level the PN is able to To demonstrate competence at this level the PN fulfils points at level 5 and is able to To demonstrate competence at this level the PN Fulfils points at 5 & 6 and is able to 1 Offer a service to clients around a basic awareness of safe sexual practice Provide a holistic approach to sexual health according to qualifications and experience Manage a more complex enhanced sexual health service in line with local and National policies 2 Give basic advice and appropriate referral on issues covering STIs including Chlamydia Undertake a complex risk assessment of sexual health to incorporate local and national recommendations Contribute to local sexual health initiatives working inter-professionally as necessary eg: with HIV services 3 Signpost to other services Diagnose, manage and treat sexually transmitted diseases or refer appropriately