Congress Abstracts 2006

92

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A RECOGNITION DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH. Theresa Sullivan, RN, MSN, Rosanne Arlington, RN, MSN, CNS, ONC, OCN^®, Venita Madsen, RN, MSN, CNS, and Veronica Guidry, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.

Advance Practice Nurses work in a variety of roles and settings within our institution and had varied levels of recognition. Advance Practice Nurses (APN) sought an opportunity to offer a program that recognized their many professional contributions to patients, staff, the institution and community. Development of the Advanced Practice Nurses Recognition Development Model (APN RDM) provided that opportunity.

A two-level APN RDM was developed to recognize individual APN competency in their role, recognize achievement of approved goals above and beyond normal job expectations, and ultimately to promote nursing practice in the advanced practice role.

A system-wide task force of interested APNs worked to develop a voluntary recognition model for APNs that could be used by APNs in their varied roles throughout the institution. A document, based on the Scope and standards of Oncology Nursing Practice, was developed, accepted by the APN group, and served as the foundation of the program. Two levels were recognized - Commendable (demonstrating full competence in the role equivalent to a highly killed and fully seasoned performer) and Exemplary (demonstrating completion of approved goals above and beyond normal job functions). Following development of concept, tools, and procedure, Nursing Administration and Human Resources provided their approval and support to bring the project to fruition. Review and approval of the APN's RDM document submission is completed by the APN RDM Committee (APN peers). Education about the process was accomplished through multiple "town hall" meetings, email, and posting on the APN web page.

Since its inception in March 2004, 145 submissions have been received. This has enabled us as a group to realize our individual contributions as well as group contributions to the institution in promoting patient care and professional development. It has given us a stronger voice within the institution.

The APN RDM is positive tool that can be used to identify, support, and promote competency and professional growth - individually and as a whole. This tool and process may be helpful to other oncology APNs.