A competency framework for orthopaedic and trauma nursing

Competency frameworks are an increasingly common method of driving forward practice quality and meeting the demand for job evaluation and professional development. This paper describes a project supported by the United Kingdom (UK) Royal College of Nursing Society of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing to develop a competency framework for orthopaedic and trauma nursing. It describes the process employed in the development of the framework, the results of consultation with UK orthopaedic and trauma nurses and the final competency statements. The framework is of relevance to all orthopaedic and trauma nurses who need to work with their employers to identify how the statements can be translated into practice outcomes. There are implications for orthopaedic and trauma nursing education.