Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required of the Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse to demonstrate nursing practice in a contemporary health environment using research skills

Application 

The knowledge and skills described in this competency unit are to be applied within jurisdictional nursing and midwifery regulatory authority legislative requirements

Enrolled/Division 2 nursing work is to be carried out in consultation/collaboration with registered nurses and under direct or indirect supervisory arrangements in line with jurisdictional regulatory requirements

Employability Skills 

This unit contains Employability Skills

Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify a need for research  into health issues

1.1 Monitor issues in nursing practice to identify potential areas for research

1.2 Identify issues relating to principles of best practice and quality management in practice as potential areas for research

1.3 Work with an awareness of factors that influence health care and may benefit from research

2. Identify client-related issues in participating in research

2.1 Identify physical and emotional support needs of clients to be involved in research

2.2 Identify individual client values and perceptions in relation to participating in research

2.3 Identify the emotional and physical needs of family and significant others in supporting the client to participate in research

3. Undertake a critical analysis of planned research

3.1 Identify ethical and cultural considerations when planning nursing research

3.2 Identify appropriate research methodology  to address the research topic, type of data collection and analysis to be undertaken and potential uses of the data

3.3 Analyse the implications of the research in relation to validity, efficacy and cost effectiveness

4. Develop a research proposal in consultation/ collaboration with others

4.1 Conduct a literature review and analyse the results

4.2 Select an appropriate methodology and data collection process

4.3 Ensure ethics approval for research is obtained as required

4.4 Develop a schedule of events and funding required

4.5 Outline validation and evaluation strategies

4.6 Describe data analysis rationale and method

4.7 Develop a response to possible barriers to the research

4.8 Describe the method of dissemination of research finding

5. Participate in nursing research 

5.1 Apply an appropriate research approach to nursing practice within the scope of the Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse

5.2 Apply appropriate ethical principles and practices in relation to consent and confidentiality of research information

5.3 Use nursing research methodologies and resources appropriately

5.4 Participate in data collection for nursing research

5.5 Contribute to research toward continuous improvement programs

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge :

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

• Age and gender issues for nursing practice
• Cultural and religious considerations for nursing practice
• Ethical guidelines including confidentiality, duty of care and public liability
• Organisation policies and procedures and protocols
• Role of evidence based practice
• Role of the health care team members
• Social and personal wellbeing
• Socio-economic, physiological, emotional and physical variables
• Statutory requirements for data collection and documentation in relation to research

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

• Apply Professional Standards of Practice:

• ANMC code of conduct
• ANMC code of ethics
• ANMC national Enrolled/Division 2 nurse competency standards
• state/territory Nurse Regulatory Nurses Act
• state/territory Nursing and Midwifery Regulatory Authority standards of practice
• scope of nursing practice decision making framework

• Use appropriate communication skills(non-verbal, openness, sensitivity, non-judgmental attitudes):

• consultation/collaboration methods
• team negotiation and networking
• analysis and interpretation of evidence
• decision making techniques
• written and oral presentations

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit :

• The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
• Observation of performance in a work context is essential for assessment of this unit
• Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations and should occur on more than one occasion and be assessed by a registered nurse

Context of and specific resources for assessment :

• Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible
• Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Method of assessment :

• Written assignments/projects
• Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
• Questioning - verbal and written
• Role play/simulation

Access and equity considerations :

• All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
• All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
• In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

RANGE STATEMENT 

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Research methodologies may include :

• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Evidence-based practice

Nursing research may include :

• Nursing interventions
• Client perceptions of the provision of care
• Models of nursing care
• Political issues confronting nursing practice and health care provision

Examples of nursing research resources may include :

• Joanna Briggs institute
• Scope of Nursing Practice Decision-Making Framework
• Evidence based practice
• Currency of knowledge
• Best practice

Research issues may include :

• Euthanasia
• Abortion
• IVF
• Cloning
• Stem cell research
• Embryonic research
• Mandatory detention