title: New Zealand nurses' perceptions of the continuing competence framework.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The demonstration of competence and continuing competence for nurses is becoming increasingly important internationally, and many countries have developed continuing competence frameworks.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore nurses' perceptions and understanding of and satisfaction with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) Continuing Competence Framework (CCF) and the effectiveness of associated processes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 1157 New Zealand (NZ) nurses responded to a web-based survey designed to determine their satisfaction with the NCNZ CCF. The sample was representative of the NZ nursing population with a margin of error of 2.85 and 95% confidence level.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of participants believe that the CCF provides a mechanism to ensure nurses are competent and fit to practice. While some participants indicated an element of poor understanding with regard to aspects of the CCF, overall it is perceived as a credible and reliable process to ensure public safety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The international literature describes a variety of frameworks and competence indicators used by regulatory authorities to safeguard the public. In the 5 years since the NCNZ implemented the CCF less than 0.02% of notifications related to 'competence' have been recorded. The majority of NZ nurses believe that the CCF provides a mechanism to ensure nurses are competent and fit to practice. However, it is important to note that CCF processes may infer competence but they are not a guarantee that a nurse is safe to practice on any given day.
authors: University of Sydney, Head of School Nursing, NSW, Australia. rvernon@eit.ac.nz
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Vernon
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Chiarella
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Papps
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Dignam
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires