A Delphi Approach to Developing a Core Competency Framework for Registered Nurses in Karnataka, India

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a modified Delphi approach to gain consensus on a core competency framework for entry level nursing graduates in Karnataka. Based on extensive review of literature, A series of semi structured questionnaires were mailed to fifteen experts from nursing education and Practice and after refining and validating the competency statements consensus in core competency framework emerged consisting of nine distinct Domains - Valuing Human Beings, Professional Nursing Practice, Communication and Interpersonal Relationship, Professional, Legal and Ethical framework, Knowledge and application of knowledge, collaborative therapeutic Practice, Research Utilization , Management of Nursing Services, Professional Advancement with accompanying competency elements and Performance Criteria. . This core competency framework based on the Indian Nursing Council's Standards of Nursing Practice was developed as a benchmark to outline the minimum entry level competencies for new nursing graduates. This study finds potential value in standardising the Competencies to be acquired for nursing graduates and also setting the path forward for a Competency Based Assessment.