Implementation and effects of pediatric nurses' ability level system based on post competency model

Abstract

Objective To implement pediatric nurses' ability level system based on the construction of pediatric nurses' ability level model and competency index databases and set up nurses' core competency requirements and advanced conditions so as to provide evidences for pediatric nurses′ ability level management. Methods Nurses' core competency requirements and advanced conditions were set up. N1 and N2 certificated of nurses' ability level were implemented in the whole hospital. Satisfaction of nurses and family members of children before and after the implementation were compared. Results A total of 354 nurses applied for N1 and N2 ability level in the whole hospital. A number of 289 out of 354 applications passed the audit and 237 out of 289 applications have been certificated. For N1 level, 148 out of 180 (82.22%) applications were certificated. For N2 level, 90 out of 174 applications (51.72%) were certificated. Satisfaction rates of nurses increased from (83.88±11.886) to (89.84±10.740) after the implementation, with a statistically significant difference (t=-5.180, P<0.01) . Satisfaction rates of family members developed from 84.27% to 93.01% after the implementation. The difference was statistically significant (χ2=9.766, P<0.05) . Conclusions The implementation of nurses' ability level system improves nurses' work enthusiasm and increases nurses' work satisfaction and family members' satisfaction. Key words: Hospital, pediatric; Nurses; Ability level system; Post competency model