Empirical evolution of a framework that supports the development of nursing competence

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to refine a framework for developing competence, for graduate nurses new to paediatric nursing in a transition programme. Background: A competent healthcare workforce is essential to ensuring quality care. There are strong professional and societal expectations that nurses will be competent. Despite the importance of the topic, the most effective means through which competence develops remains elusive. Design: A qualitative explanatory method was applied as part of a mixed methods design. Methods: Twenty-one graduate nurses taking part in a 12-month transition programme participated in semi-structured interviews between October and November 2013. Interviews wer..