title: Clinical ladders: do they reflect levels of competence?
abstract: Staff nurses positioned within two discrete clinical ladder levels were surveyed for their responses to two components of clinical competence: job performance and problem-solving tactics. Although findings suggest that clinical ladders do not seem to provide clear delineation of competence levels, several interventions with staff nurses may increase clinical ladder viability: 1) opportunity to practice and utilize mixed and integrative problem-solving styles, 2) challenging work experiences, and 3) opportunity to mentor and be mentored.
authors.affiliation: Concordia University & West Suburban College of Nursing, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, USA.
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Snyder
mesh_terms: D002322:Career Mobility; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards*; D011340:Problem Solving; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires