The ANMC is a credible and reputable national nursing and midwifery organization that was established in 1992 (Chang & Daly, 2008). The main purpose of this organization was to develop a national approach that would act as a regulatory framework to nursing and midwifery (Taylor, 2006). It works with other associated authorities to develop standards such as the national competence standards for nursing, which promote and regulate the provision of quality care. These standards are important since they provide the framework through which the performance of registered nurses is tested in order for one to obtain or retain a license to practice in Australia.
Broadly, a nurse is considered competent when he/she showcases an unwavering ability in assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating and most important of all; communicating care (Crisp & Taylor, 2009). The Australian Nursing and midwifery council (2008) indicate that this ability can best be measured by applying a regulatory framework that aims at evaluating these competencies. This paper shall therefore set out to explore the strategies that a registered nurse can employ to meet the requirements stipulated by the Australian Nursing and midwifery council (ANMC) competence standards. This shall be done by identifying the clinical learning objectives that are underpinned by the four practice domains that make up the ANMC competence standards. The four domains as described in the ANMC competence standards include: “professional practice, critical thinking and analysis, provision of coordinated care and collaborative and therapeutic practice (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council [ANMC], 2006, p. 9).”
Competence as defined by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council refers to “the combination of skills, knowledge, attitudes, values and abilities that underpin effective and/or superior performance in professional/occupational area (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2006, p.8).” From this definition, it is evident that the main learning objective is to develop these attributes and equip ourselves with the best strategies that guarantee professionalism, efficacy and competence in our work setting. The objectives of the professional practice domain are to ensure that registered nurse understand professional responsibilities. Levett-Jones and Bourgeois (2010) state that registered nurses are expected to showcase competence in professional practice. As such, my objectives under this domain will be to demonstrate that i have the required knowledge base, i can account for my practice and function in a manner that conforms to the legal and ethical legislations that govern or affect health care and nursing, as well as those that promote the protection of individual and group rights in the health care industry (ANMC, 2008; Johnstone, 2008).
Similarly, this domain dictates that registered nurses should conduct their duties and responsibilities in a way that is in line with the implemented and nursing code of conduct by integrating the set organizational policies and guidelines in how they conduct themselves professionally. Daly, Speedy and Jackson (2010) supplement these sentiments by stating that registered nurses should demonstrate that they comprehend and perform in a manner that is within the scope of their practice. For example, my objective under this domain will be to ensure that I administer medication and care as per the stipulated standards. This will be shown through my ability to assess a patient, determine the best course of action and carryout procedures correctly.
The main objectives under theCritical Thinking and analysis domain is to ensure that as a registered nurses, I have the necessary knowledge regarding self-appraisal, professional development and the relevance of research as well as evidence for practice. This domain seeks to emphasize that reflection plays a pivotal role in enhancing professionalism and competence in practice. Reflection in this case relates to practice, feelings, beliefs and attitudes and the consequence that these reflections have on individuals as well as groups (Taylor, 2008). As such, registered nurses are expected to demonstrate they understand the important role that research plays towards the improvement of individual and groups health well being. In addition, they should show that they apply the best evidence, expertise and respect for the values and beliefs held by other individuals and groups.
In this regard, my objectives will be to effectively demonstrate that my practice and decisions are guided by an evidence-based framework and their efforts are directed towards my professional development as well as that of others. According to ANMC (2008), competence in this regard is determined by a nurse’s ability to analytically assess and evaluate research and medical information, support and participate in health care research, and quality improvement activities.
Daly, Speedy and Jackson (2010) contend that the Provision and Coordination of Care domain seeks to measure competence in regard to how registered nurses assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual and group care. My primary objective under this domain will be to ensure that I am able to coordinate, organize and provide proper nursing care. Assessment in this case refers to my ability to use evidence-based assessment guidelines in regard to collection of data pertaining to the social, cultural, physical and psychological status of an individual or a group (Douglas, 2009). In addition, it also evaluates a nurse’s ability to use appropriate assessment techniques and tools to compile relevant and accurate information and interpret the findings appropriately (Chang & Daly, 2008).
On the other hand, planning and provision refers to the nurse’s ability to plan the appropriate care (through consultation with colleagues and interdisciplinary teams among other stakeholders) by determining and acting on priorities and identifying other people that may assist in carrying out the plan and providing the best course of action (comprehensive, safe and effective) that should be taken to deliver and restore quality care of individuals and groups (Levett-Jones & Bourgeois, 2010). Finally, this domain provides viable guidelines that should be applied during the evaluation of the patient/s progress.
The clinical learning objective of the fourth domain is to enhance competence in the manner through which registered nurses establish, maintain and terminate professional relationships with patients and other stakeholders. To this end, my objective will be to develop virtuous characteristics such as empathy, trust, genuine concern, respect and dignity for my patients, all the while exhibiting interactive support in a manner that is devoid of pretence, malice and discrimination (Douglas, 2009). This means that a registered nurse should demonstrate that he/she understands the boundaries of professional and therapeutic relationships in regard to application of professional standards and the benefits that can be accrued from such relationships.
Similarly, Leeder (2003) further asserts that competence in this domain is measured according to an individual’s ability to effectively communicate and apply suitable strategies that enhance self-esteem, integrity, dignity and comfort to individuals and groups. As such, my objective will be to exhibit high socialization and interpersonal skills while dealing with patients and colleagues. Having such interpersonal and social skills mean that a registered nurse is socially competent in relation to the delivery of the required standard of care.
Conclusively, the ANMC competence standards provide an avenue through which nurses can understand and evaluate their duties and practices in order to ensure that they promote the delivery of quality care. This paper set out to identify the clinical learning objectives that are presented within the four domains of the ANMC competence standards. To this end, an elaborate and comprehensive analysis of these domains has been offered as a mean to deduce and explain the objectives. If all registered nurses understand and apply the concepts promoted in these domains, licensed nurses in Australia and the world over will exhibit high levels of competence in their work. This will be in regard to professionalism of practice, application of critical and analytic thinking, ability to coordinate and provide care and demonstration of collaborative and therapeutic practice.
References
Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council (ANMC). (2006). ANMC National competency standards for the Registered Nurse. Web.
Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council (ANMC). (2008). Code of professional conduct for Nurses in Australia. Web.
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