CNE Article

Moving Forward With a Clear Definition of Continuing Competence

Bette Case Di Leonardi, PhD, RN-BC; Melissa Biel, DPA, RN

  • The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
  • August 2012 - Volume 43 · Issue 8: 346-351
  • DOI: 10.3928/00220124-20120116-18
Rights and Permissions

Abstract

In response to the need for a clear definition of continuing competence, a task force of nursing leaders, which included a health care consumer representative, developed a definition of continuing competence. The task force reviewed extensive literature and engaged in thoughtful, directed dialogue. This article describes the process and product of its work, Statement on Continuing Competence in Nursing: A Call to Action. The statement distinguishes between competence and competency, expresses beliefs about continuing competence, defines continuing competence, and calls on stakeholders to work actively to ensure continuing competency in nursing as a method to assure safe patient care.

Dr. Case Di Leonardi is Consultant in education and competency management; Board Member, National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses; and Chair, Continuing Competence Task Force. Dr. Biel is Consultant; and Deputy Director, American Board of Nursing Specialties.

The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.

Presented in part at the American Board of Nursing Specialties Conference, March 3, 2011, San Antonio, Texas; and as a poster at the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, November 10, 2011, New Orleans, Louisiana.

The authors gratefully acknowledge the administrative support of the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses for the work of the Task Force. The authors acknowledge the valuable contributions of their fellow task force members: Judy Lentz, RN, MSN, NHA; Virginia (Ginger) Marshall, ACNPBC, ACHPN; Dede Pahl, MBA; Barbara Schmal, MS, RN, CHPN; Denise Stahl, RN, MSN, ACHPN; Sandra Lee Schafer, RN, MN, AOCN; and Patricia S. Yoder-Wise, RN, EdD, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN.

Address correspondence to Bette Case Di Leonardi, PhD, RN-BC, 56 West Schiller Street, Chicago, IL 60610. E-mail: bettecasedi@sbcglobal.net.

Received: October 21, 2011
Accepted: December 27, 2011
Posted Online: January 23, 2012

doi: 10.3928/00220124-20120116-18

Healio is intended for health care provider use and all comments will be posted at the discretion of the editors. We reserve the right not to post any comments with unsolicited information about medical devices or other products. At no time will Healio be used for medical advice to patients.