The Use Of A Competence Training Program For New Nurses Can Contribute To Increased Reflection, Professionalism, And Competence Development

During a period when several new nurses were hired, it became evident that there was a lack of consistency and structure in the training programs, which are crucial to ensuring that all new nurses possess the necessary skills. 

The competence program is a practical management tool designed to ensure a high professional standard and quality in the care provided to eye patients. The competence program is divided into competencies, knowledge, and skills, with detailed descriptions of specific tasks.

To assess how the nurses experienced their training in the department, a survey was conducted. The survey revealed a need for a more structured training program with opportunities for reflection on their own learning, leading to the development of the competence program. The competence program contains 32 skill cards, 15 for the surgical nurses and 17 for the clinic nurses. The competence program was refined by experienced nurses, and an implementation plan was created. 

10 new nurses were interviewed after 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. A hermeneutic approach was used, and the transcribed interviews were analyzed using an abductive method.

The interviews show that training with use of competence program helps new nurses gain an overview of their own training process, making them feel professionally competent. It also becomes easier to articulate and reflect on their own and others' professional skills. 

The use of competence program helps to clarify which competencies are still needed, giving the new nurse an overview and a shared responsibility for their own learning.

The competence program helps to promote the professional skills, theoretical knowledge, reflective abilities, and independence of new nurses, as well as support their individual responsibility for their own learning. 

All interviewed nurses expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of the subspecialized skill cards. A structured and consistent training program contributes to enhanced competence, greater satisfaction among new nurses, and ultimately increased patient safety.