Working collaboratively to produce a Pan London band 5 Neonatal Competency Document

Competency documents are widely used as an assessment tool in nursing. The Pan London Educator Group identified a need to have a Pan London band 5 competency document for neonatal staff nurses. The aim of the document is to provide a pathway for the neonatal staff nurse to develop skills & knowledge, career development and act as evidence of achievement. While the validity of competency documents as an assessment tool have been questioned, it can standardise care and provide a record of the development of competence. The document was developed through collaborative working, sharing of ideas and cooperation and the educator group continues to work together on projects. However this process also highlights the need for neonatal units/networks to share projects including guidelines and protocols which would avoid duplication of projects and improve patient care.