Implementing the Performance Based Development System (PBDS) at Naval Medical Center San Diego

Competency-based performance development is an educational tool that assesses the knowledge and skill base of an RN to enable staff development personnel to formulate orientation and training specific to that individual's learning needs. Theoretically, competency-based performance development is a time-efficient method for orientation. Recent healthcare reform, budgetary constraints, and downsizing have also affected the military. The stimulus, rationale, and obstacles experienced in implementation of this program in the military are common to all staff development educators.