Module 2: Competency standards

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this module participants will have:

  • Increased knowledge of which legislation regulates their scope of practice
  • Increased awareness of the importance of demonstrating competency and how that protects patients
  • Knowledge of where to go for professional advice

Competency Standards for nurses in general practice


In 2005 the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) published the booklet 'Competency Standards for nurses in general practice' using funds provided by the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA).

According to the Preamble of the Competency standards for nurses in general practice, 2005
  • nurses are advised to use the competency standards as a framework to assess their practice and professional development
  • in conjunction with the core competency standards developed by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council and
  • the requirements of the nurse regulatory authority in each state and territory. 
In the State of New South Wales:

Scope of Practice

The ANF defines scope of nursing practice as nursing practice for which nurses are:

  • educated
  • competent
  • authorised to perform
A number of factors influence and regulate a nurse's scope of practice.  The ANF highlights the following influences which direct a nurse's scope of practice:

  • Registration / Enrollment / Authorisation requirements of the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW
  • Relevant Commonwealth and State Legislation and Regulations
  • Education of the nurse providing the care
  • Policies and protocols of health service organisations and providers
  • Community need
  • The environment in which health care is being provided

Patient care

Regulation helps protect patients.  Perhaps the most important regulation for the safety of patients is self regulation. 
A reflective and self regulating nurse is in the best position to provide  safe patient care  when they have the insight to work within their education, authorisation and competency boundaries. 

Reflection

  • Try defining your scope of practice.  The following link to the Australian Practice Nurses Association (APNA) is a useful resource for this task

  • Is your level of education consistent with the complexity of work you undertake ?

  • Do you regularly seek peer supervision and seek CPD opportunities to improve skill and competency ?


Competency standards for the enrolled nurse in general practice

The ANF (2005) advises Enrolled nurses in general practice must meet the  Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council's (ANMC) national competency standards for enrolled nurses.  In addition they should meet the competency standards prepared by the nursing profession for enrolled nurses in general practice.

Click on this link to view the ANMC Competency standards for the enrolled nurse in general practice


Competency standards for registered nurses in general practice

The ANF (2005) advises Registered nurses in general practice must meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council's national competency standards for registered nurses.  In addition they should meet the competency standards prepared by the nursing profession for registered nurses in general practice.

Click on this link to view the ANMC Competency standards for registered nurse in general practice

Quick Quiz

Write a short response to each question in the provided answer sheet.

  • How is your scope of practice regulated?
  • Why are demonstrated nursing competencies important?
  • Which organisations can provide professional guidance?