Peer-Review Competency Assessment Engages Staff and Influences Patient Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Nurse educators must guide competency assessment in a way that influences safe patient care. The goal of this innovative competency assessment was for RNs to demonstrate performance of sound practice related to anticoagulation medication, pressure injuries, and pain management using a peer-review format.

METHOD: The process was initiated through the unit-based team. The clinical RN was required to bring forth the information that he or she had met the competency requirements. Rubrics provided consistency in evaluation.

RESULTS: The process was perceived to have evaluated actual performance and allowed demonstration of performance. For patient outcomes, anticoagulation safety measures were sustained, pressure injury measures were improved, and pain outcome measures were not improved during and after the competency period.

CONCLUSION: A peer-review process for clinical RN competency assessment enhanced professionalism through professional practice evaluation, was perceived as favorable, and was associated with positive patient outcomes. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2018;49(3):119-126.