title: Competence requirements in intensive and critical care nursing--still in need of definition? A Delphi study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Empirical studies in competence are lacking in the field of intensive and critical care nursing.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify competence requirements, by soliciting the views of intensive care unit nurses and physicians.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two rounds of the Delphi method were used in 2006 in Finland. Data were analysed by content analysis and with descriptive statistics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Competence requirements in intensive and critical care nursing can be divided into five main domains: knowledge base, skill base, attitude and value base, nursing experience base and personal base of the nurse. Four of these domains can be found in the existing requirements and one new domain - personal base of the nurse - was identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Competence requirements are multidimensional. Earlier descriptions of competence are not sufficient; more comprehensive and cohesive descriptions are needed. The personal base of a nurse should also be included in the competence requirements in intensive and critical care nursing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Betaniankatu 12 B 26, 20810 Turku, Finland. riitta-liisa.lakanmaa@utu.fi
authors.forename: Riitta-Liisa
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Lakanmaa
authors.forename: Tarja
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Suominen
authors.forename: Juha
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Perttilä
authors.forename: Pauli
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Puukka
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Leino-Kilpi
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003422:Critical Care; D003697:Delphi Technique; D006801:Humans; D013041:Specialties, Nursing