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A Synthesis of the Literature on “Competence” as It Applies to Perioperative Nursing
Author(s) -
Gillespie Brigid Mary,
Hamlin Lois
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/j.aorn.2009.07.011
Subject(s) - competence (human resources) , perioperative nursing , teamwork , perioperative , psychology , interpersonal communication , knowledge management , medicine , computer science , social psychology , political science , anesthesia , law
Perioperative competence is an eclectic concept that has been difficult to define and even more difficult to measure. Competence has been described in relation to standards of practice with little emphasis placed on its interpersonal aspects. This article presents a synthesis of the literature focused on perioperative nurse competence. Although specialized knowledge in the form of technical proficiency is important, it is no longer the only indicator of perioperative competence. The findings in this synthesis attest to the increased awareness and emphasis given to human factors—recognition that teamwork, communication, coordination, and leadership also affect human performance. Based on these findings, the next important step would be to develop and test these categories of competence empirically. AORN J 90 (August 2009) 245–258. © AORN, Inc, 2009.