Assignment: Assessment of Competence

Assignment: Assessment of Competence

Assignment: Assessment of Competence

as diagnostics to include some corroborative evidence of advanced skill competency such as OSCE or witness testimony

w Reports of audits of practice include documentation reviews

w Patient perspective through/patient stories w Peer review of practice w Feedback from colleagues and line managers w Notes from clinical supervision undertaken w Case studies w Reflection on practice events and incidents includ-

ing commentary on development and refinement of advanced skills over time. The likelihood of regulating advanced practice in the

near future is another reason for portfolio maintenance. For several years discussions have been underway to con- sider the regulation of nurses in advanced clinical practice roles, following concern about their competence and the lack of standardized educational preparation for such posts (NMC, 2004.) Earlier this year, the NMC agreed to establish a project group to take this work further, and build on existing work on the competencies and processes for regulating training and practice at an advanced level (NMC, 2010b). It is likely that the process will involve opening a new part of the register for advanced nurse practitioners with eligibility requiring the practitioner to demonstrate that the approved competencies have been achieved, either through successful completion of an a NMC validated course at a higher education institute, or through an APEL route. This would mean the assessment of competence via a range of methods, including a portfo- lio of evidence that is mapped against the specific compe- tencies. Those practitioners who already have commenced the process of evidencing their skills and knowledge, will obviously be at an advantage.

conclusion Portfolio development is a professional requirement, enabling staff to provide documentary evidence of skills, knowledge and experience from a range of sources. A well constructed portfolio should show how learning has occurred as well as its application in practice. The acquisi- tion and development of skills and knowledge over time should also be evident. In this way, portfolios have the potential to be a tool that is an accessible resource that can assist in supporting career changes, meet professional body requirements, attest to academic ability and ulti-
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