Table 5 Final competence framework: six core competences and 18 learning outcomes
1. PROVIDING GERONTOLOGICAL CARE | Importance |
Competence: providing gerontological care The gerontological nurse comprehensively assesses, analyses, plans, implements and evaluates the care of older people. The gerontological nurse is able to utilize evidence-based knowledge and critical thinking when making decisions and providing person-centred and holistic care in different care settings. The nurse considers the wishes and physical and mental well-being of older people and their families by supporting all parties’ active participation. | Essential |
a. Assessment Conduct a systematic, comprehensive gerontological assessment with input from the older people and, when necessary, from their families or caregivers. Inquire about the older people’s physical and mental well-being, medical history, personal history, housing conditions, social participation and loneliness. Identify the needs, wishes and possibilities to increase older people’s comfort. Assess the level of nursing needs. | Essential |
b. Nursing diagnosis Analyse the data collected from the gerontological assessment and, through careful consideration, form a diagnosis using knowledge about healthy ageing, geriatric syndromes and the most common health problems among older people. Identify the problems and risk factors for older people and their families. Diagnose the required nursing care using current theoretical and clinical knowledge of the nursing process. | Essential |
c. Planning Develop a clear, timely and appropriate plan for person-centred nursing care with a focus on recovery, optimal health, well-being and quality of life for older people and their families. Use practice- and evidence-based interventions. If possible, include the use of technology for the benefit of the patient and family members. Use appropriate techniques for shared decision-making. | Essential |
d. Implementation of nursing interventions Provide accurate implementation of the care plan and perform the nursing interventions based on professional nursing standards in different care settings such as home care, hospital care, long-term care and hospice care. Guarantee person-centred and holistic care. | Essential |
e. Evaluation Evaluate and adjust care plans for older people on a continuing basis with the purpose of providing optimal nursing care for older people and their families. | Essential |
2. COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION | |
Competence: communication and collaboration To provide person-centred care, the gerontological nurse communicates and collaborates with older people, family members, other informal caregivers and other professionals in health and social care. The nurse is able to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) properly for this purpose. | Essential |
a. Person-centred communication and empowerment Form strong, positive professional relationships with older people based on empathy, trust, respect and reciprocity. Communicate in a clear and effective way considering older people’s individuality, sociocultural backgrounds, health problems and needs. Collaborate with patients, use shared decision-making and empower older people to take responsibility for their own health and comfort. | Essential |
b. Collaborate with family members and informal caregivers Work together with older people’s supportive families, informal caregivers and social networks to encourage appropriate informal care and support. Be aware of older patients who suffer from loneliness and family members who suffer from caregiver burden. | Essential |
c. Collaborate with nursing colleagues and the multidisciplinary team Work effectively together with other professionals for integrated care and support. Encourage multi- and inter-professional cooperation to achieve optimal support and care for older people. Pursue the goal of optimising their health, well-being and quality of life in multiple areas. | Essential |
3. ORGANISATION OF GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING CARE | |
Competence: organisation of gerontological nursing care The nurse plans and coordinates safe, high-quality person-centred care for older people. The nurse is involved in quality assurance activities and contributes to the innovation of care for older people; this includes the use of suitable technical applications in care. | Essential |
a. Planning and coordination of care and services Plan, arrange and coordinate the care and services provided by nurses and other formal or informal health and social care workers across different organizations to provide the best personalized care and support for older people and their families. Ensure continuity of care. | Essential |
b. Innovation and technology Use innovative ideas, theories and methods to improve gerontological nursing practice. This process includes the use of technological applications. | Relevant |
c. Quality management Initiate, monitor and participate in quality management activities to provide safe, high-quality person-centred nursing care for older people. Establish assessment mechanisms and processes for continuous quality improvement. | Essential |
4. HEALTH PROMOTION | |
Competence: health promotion The gerontological nurse is able to prevent further functional decline and to promote healthy ageing and a healthy lifestyle. The nurse helps older people and their families find comprehensive person-centred solutions within the entire healthcare system. | Essential |
a. Plan person-centred health promotion Identify early risk factors that can impact the functional ability of older people. Plan holistic and person-centred health promotion interventions. | Essential |
b. Perform health promotion interventions Work closely together in partnerships with patients, informal caregivers and other healthcare professionals to promote a healthy lifestyle and to work towards the improved self-care of older people. | Relevant |
5. EVIDENCE-BASED NURSING AND LIFELONG LEARNING | |
Competence: evidence-based nursing and lifelong learning The gerontological nurse uses evidence-based practices and lifelong learning activities to provide the best care for older people and their families. | Relevant |
a. Lifelong learning and professional development Increase knowledge, understanding and skills in gerontological nursing through continuous education and professional development. Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning. | Essential |
b. Evidence-based practice Use and support the implementation of evidence-based nursing’s theory and methodology in gerontological care. | Relevant |
c. Training and coaching Participate as a teacher and coach in education and training activities about gerontological nursing for staff, students and teachers. Strengthen the competencies of nursing staff in gerontological nursing. | Relevant |
6. PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR | |
Competence: professional behaviour The gerontological nurse shows a professional attitude, is aware of professional guidelines and is committed to providing appropriate person-centred care for older people and their families. | Essential |
a. Professional ethics Provide nursing care for older people in accordance with professional and personal ethics, legal guidelines and cultural sensitivities. | Essential |
b. Professional commitment and personal awareness Demonstrate commitment to providing appropriate gerontological nursing care for older people and their families. Be aware of personal values and assumptions influencing professional practice. Act within professional frameworks and legislation. | Essential |