Professional Experience Placement

The RN standards for practice released in February 2016 and incepted for use on 1st June 2016 provide direction for nurses in all settings. There are 7 standards and more information about them can be found on the NMBA website. On this site there is further information about why there was a change from competency to standards and also how to utilise them.  There is also information about how the new Standards map to the previous competency standards.

Clinical supervisors will need to become familiar with the changes so that they can assess students against the Standards and also  see where the competency domains now fit within the new standards. Students will also need to understand  how they need to perform to meet the standards for practice to facilitate progression within their courses. Additionally, the standard for continuing professional development has also been updated. This standard has provisions for pro-rata CPD depending on your circumstances and there are more alternatives to meet maintenance of annual registration than previously. The changes provide clear direction for nurses in  their daily practice.

The Registered nurse standards for practice consist of the following seven standards:

1. Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice.
2. Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships.
3. Maintains the capability for practice.
4. Comprehensively conducts assessments.
5. Develops a plan for nursing practice.
6. Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice.
7. Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice.

As you can see from the headings they follow logical process for ensuring safe and effective patient or client care (standards); care of self and professional behaviour expected; and then guidance is given for assessment, planning,  appropriate and safe implementation and evaluation of care delivered. The diagram provided by the NMBA  shows how the three overarching Standards are interrelated with the 4 action Standards. The criteria provided by the NMBA website provides further guidance about how to apply and use the Standards.

If you have any comments about the new RN Standards for Practice you are welcome to post them here.  Please join us @PEPCommunity.