Competency Framework for Adult Endocrine Nursing
The Competency Framework for Adult Endocrine Nursing was developed by a working group of UK Endocrine Specialist Nurses and the Society for Endocrinology (SfE) to enhance the clinical care that adults with an endocrine disorder receive. The Competency Framework focuses on the knowledge, skills and interventions relevant to nurses looking after adult patients with endocrine conditions. It is envisaged that this document will be a useful tool for endocrine nurses across Europe and globally:
- Supporting job descriptions and pay reviews/negotiations by detailing targets in accordance with local and national guidelines and policies
- Assessing clinical competence at different levels
- Developing personal goals and objectives in performance appraisals for career progression
- Achieving a unified and translational role for endocrine nurses at a European and international level.
Although the Competency Framework encompasses most functions included in the role of an endocrine nurse, it is not an accredited document outside the UK. It is only intended as guidance to role performance and should be used in conjunction with local and national guidelines and appraisal documents.
The Competency Framework has been translated into the following languages:
Further language translations will be added shortly.
Benefits of the Framework
The Competency Framework for Adult Endocrine Nursing provides benefits for nurses, their employers, patients and the public.
Nurses benefit because it helps to:
- Deliver consistently high standards of care
- Identify the level of practice and plan a career in a more structured way
- Pinpoint personal educational and developmental needs
- Realise potential more effectively
- Seize opportunities to influence the direction of nursing.
Employers benefit because it provides:
- A model to ensure consistently high standards of care
- Clearer insight into the expertise and competence of staff; for example, in assessment of risk management
- Assistance in organisational planning.
Patients and the public benefit because it makes it possible to deliver:
- Consistently high standards of patient care
- Increased effectiveness of service provision
- Improved access and choice for care provision.