Background

Australians living with a life limiting illness experience varying need for palliative care intervention. Those with complex needs require access to specialist palliative care support. To deliver specialist palliative care nursing, nurses require specialised skills, competencies, experience, and palliative care training. The development of the beginner to expert education framework supports the current and future nursing cohort to achieve this. 

Aims/Objectives

The purpose of the framework was to embed the Palliative Care Nursing Australia (PCNA) competency standards to facilitate specialty palliative care nursing practice on an individual and system level.

 

Methodology

This framework is underpinned by Benner’s ‘Novice to Expert’ theory. Specialist palliative care nurses from the inpatient service and members from the education team reviewed the PCNA standards and the existing learning resources to create the framework. Palliative care nurses from different care settings brainstormed and contributed to the development of the framework.

Results/Findings 

Sequential developmental framework was developed from Beginner palliative care nurse, Developing palliative care nurse to Palliative care nurse and Nurse leader. Each PCNA competency standard has specific elements and performance criteria which describe nursing practice relevant to the standard. It was introduced to palliative care nurses by education sessions and through performance review process. The framework will be reviewed biannually.

This framework reflects the PCNA competency standards for palliative care nursing and guides nurses to identify their own strategies to progress along the beginner to expert journey. Engaging in meaningful learning activities, immersion in situational and experiential learning opportunities, and reflective practice will be fundamental to implement the framework. Perspectives from palliative care clinicians about the framework will be obtained to enhance the framework.