Competency Assessment Program for Community Health Nurses Working with First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
Information Guide

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What is the Competency Assessment Program?

The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) of Health Canada has developed and produced a multi-stage Competency Assessment Program for Community Health Nurses working in First Nations and Inuit communities.

The Competency Assessment Program has three distinct parts as illustrated in the flowchart below: Part I: Self- Assessment, Part II: Multiple-Choice Examinations, and Part III: Clinical Skills Assessment for Expanded Scope of Practice.

The three distinct parts of this program combine to provide a comprehensive assessment of nursing skills required of Community Health Nurses in First Nations and Inuit communities. Each part of the assessment program was developed to ensure they:

• Are realistic
• Reflect current practice
• Are professionally sound

What are the Three Parts Like?

Part I: Self-Assessment

The Self-Assessment is an effective means for nurses to understand and evaluate the wide range of knowledge, skills, and abilities required of Community Health Nurses working in a First Nations or Inuit community. The self-assessment consists of a Community Health component and a Treatment component.

All Community Health Nurses newly employed by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch are required to participate in Part I: Self-Assessment. In addition, Community Health Nurses employed by First Nations and Inuit Health Authorities may choose to participate.

Part II: Multiple-Choice Examinations

The Multiple-Choice Examinations assess the knowledge and critical thinking required of Community Health Nurses working in First Nations and Inuit communities and who have completed a recognized program. This assessment is composed of two exams, (a) the Community Health examination and (b) the Treatment examination.

Nurses will write the exam or exams related to their scope of practice. Community Health Nurses will write exam (a), and Community Health Nurses with a focus in Expanded Scope of Practice will write exam (a) and (b).

Part III: Clinical Skills Assessment for Expanded Scope of Practice

The Clinical Skills Assessment for Expanded Scope of Practice is intended for nurses with a treatment focus who have participated in the multiple-choice examinations. In the assessment, simulated nursing treatment situations are used to ensure that Community Health Nurses with a focus in Expanded Scope of Practice possess the necessary clinical skills to perform primary care case management.

What are the Benefits of Participating?

The Competency Assessment Program allows you to build on the solid foundation of entry to practice through your Canadian RN registration. It is a commitment to the leading edge of national health care standards for Community Health Nurses working in First Nations and Inuit communities.

It gives national recognition to the principle of continued competence with which everybody wins: you, your clients, and your employer.

Why are you Participating?

• Participating in this competency assessment helps you stay current by evaluating your specialized knowledge and skills.
• It provides for evaluation and feedback of mandatory education programs.
• It provides for ongoing identification of Learning Needs and Continuing Competency.

Competency Assurance

Expanded Scope of Practice nursing in First Nations and Inuit communities requires a unique body of knowledge with distinct expertise. A Community Health Nurse in this setting works with clients, families, community groups, and other health care professionals to achieve and maintain optimal health as an integral part of well-being. This Competency Assessment Program was designed to provide a competency assurance to the public through appropriate professional background, education, and assessment.

All successful candidates will receive a certificate to recognize their accomplishments upon completion of the Competency Assessment Program.

Self-Study Guide

If you have not completed a recognized education program in Clinical Skills and/or Community Health Nursing, the Self-Study Guide will help you to facilitate meeting your personal learning needs.

The guide contains examples of bibliographic resources for the competencies evaluated in the Competency Assessment Program. These resources include current texts that contain information related directly to the skills and knowledge required of the Community Health Nurse working in First Nations and Inuit communities.

How to Reach Us?

For more information on the Competency Assessment Program and obtaining the Self-Study Guide and Application Guide, you can contact your Nursing Manager.