Designing the optimal annual performance review for nurses: What is still missing?

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Human Resources

Background:

• Annual performance reviews (APRs) are essential for nursing professionals, particularly in demanding high-acuity hospital environments.
• Current APR systems often fall short, functioning more as administrative tasks than developmental tools.
• Gaps exist in current systems that hinder their effectiveness in evaluating, developing, and retaining nursing staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the deficiencies in existing nursing APR systems.
• To present an evidence-based framework for improving nursing APRs.
• To transform APRs into strategic tools for professional development and improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current APR practices in nursing.
• Analysis of existing gaps and challenges in nursing performance evaluations.
• Development of key elements for an evidence-based APR framework.

Main Results:

• Identified significant gaps in current nursing APR systems.
• Proposed a framework with key elements to address these gaps.
• Highlighted the potential of APRs to foster professional growth and equity.

Conclusions:

• Current nursing APRs require transformation from administrative tasks to strategic tools.
• An evidence-based framework can enhance APR effectiveness for nursing professionals.
• Improved APRs can contribute to enhanced professional development, equity, and patient outcomes.