Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2025

Problem-Solving Before Instruction PS-I: A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
Competency versus proficiency: trying to develop an understanding of these terms in the context of practice learning
Debbie Roberts1, Carol Forde-Johnston2
1Professor of Learning and Teaching in Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edgehill University.
Abstract:
The language of nurse education in the UK has shifted from 'competency' to 'proficiency' since 2018. The shift in language has been poorly articulated leaving individual higher education institutions, practice supervisors and assessors to interpret what these terms mean in relation to assessing student nurses. There appeared to be some confusion regarding the interpretation of the term proficiency among those who engaged in an exchange on the topic via Twitter. Students may focus on the procedure-based checklists within the standards. The relationship between proficiency and implementing a person-centred approach to care remains unclear.
Related Concept Videos
Purposive Learning
The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
Cognitive Learning
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data...
Critical Thinking II
Steps in the Modeling Process
Attention is the first necessary component for observational learning. It involves focusing on what the model is doing and saying. For example, if you decide to take a drawing class to enhance your skills, you need to pay close attention to the instructor's words and hand movements. The characteristics of the model significantly...

