Nursing Leadership

Nursing Leadership 23(4) February 2011 : 45-60.doi:10.12927/cjnl.2011.22142
Nursing Research

A Delphi Approach to Developing a Core Competency Framework for Family Practice Registered Nurses in Ontario

Azadeh Moaveni, Anna Gallinaro, Lesley Gotlib Conn, Sheilagh Callahan, Melanie Hammond and Ivy Oandasan

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a Delphi panel process to gain consensus on a role description and competency framework for family practice registered nurses (FP-RNs) in Ontario. Based on the findings from interviews and focus groups with family practice registered nurses and their inter-professional colleagues throughout Ontario, a core competency framework for FP-RNs emerged consisting of six distinct roles – Professional, Expert, Communicator, Synergist, Health Educator and Lifelong Learner – with accompanying enabling competency statements. This framework was refined and validated by a panel of experts from various nursing and family medicine associations and organizations through a Delphi consensus process. This core competency framework for FP-RNs was developed as a stepping stone for clarifying this very important and poorly understood role in family practice. As a result of this research, we expect a greater acknowledgement of the contributions and expertise of the FP-RN as well as the need to celebrate and profile this role. This work has already led to the establishment of a network of stakeholders from nursing organizations in Ontario who are considering opportunities to move the development and use of the competency framework forward.

 

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