Competency Assessment Program for Community Health Nurses Working with
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
Part I Self-Assessment Tools
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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 assessment is composed of Part I: Self-Assessment, Part II: Multiple-Choice
Examinations, and Part III: Clinical Skills Assessment for Expanded Scope
of Practice. See information pamphlet for more details.
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.
Participating in this competency assessment helps you stay current by
evaluating your specialized knowledge and skills.
What is Part I Self-Assessment?
The Self-Assessment tool is for your own use. It is not a performance
appraisal and cannot be used as such. This Self-Assessment is an effective
means to understanding the wide range of knowledge, skills, and abilities
(called competencies) that are required by the Community Health Nurse
who is beginning practice in a First Nations or Inuit community.
A similar assessment is conducted by a preceptor (e.g., supervisor,
nurse-in-charge, or mentor) and is intended to support the nurse's self-assessment.
Together the nurse and preceptor generate a learning plan that identifies
those competencies needing further development, and plan strategies to
meet those learning needs. The nursing scope of practice may be limited
until the learning needs are met.
The Self-Assessment is NOT designed to replace the requirement to complete
recognized education in clinical skills and community health nursing.
Who Should Participate in Part I?
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.
When Should You Participate in Part I?
The Self-Assessment should be completed within the first month of your
arrival in the Community Health or Treatment setting.
The preceptor's assessment should also be completed at the same time.
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 competency assurance to the public through
appropriate professional background, education, and assessment.
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.
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