Professional Practice Competence Framework for the Nurse Leader

This chapter will outline the research-based development of professional practice competence framework to promote nurses’ career advancement. First, a short description of the development of competence framework will be offered. This large project has been implemented over two decades at Helsinki University Hospital. Second, a summative description is given about the development and use of the Nurse Competence Scale which is used in many countries and forms a fundamental instrument in many health districts in Finland. Third, examples of competence management interventions will be given. This will include a practice level description of preceptorship, mentorship programmes during the transition phase, charge nurse training programme and proficient nurse training programme for evidence-based nursing experts. Last, a short description of the implementation of clinical nurse specialist roles in Finland will be given.