A mapping review of clinical nurse leader and nurse educator transitional care skills and competencies

Abstract

Background: Little is known about how nurses are prepared to participate or lead teams in conducting safe and effective care transitions, despite being a complex process in which the nurse has an integral role.

Purpose: To conduct mapping review to identify and synthesize key recommendations regarding curriculum content needed to increase Clinical Nurse Leader and Nurse Educator student knowledge and skills regarding transitional care.

Method: Guidelines for developing the transitional care nurse role published by national accrediting bodies and certification organizations were reviewed to identify the required competencies.

Findings: Components identified included: communication; teamwork and collaboration; education and engagement of patient and family; promoting and support for self-management; and assessing/ managing risks/symptoms.

Conclusion: Research evidence is needed to support academic preparation of nurses as leaders in care transition. The core transitional components identified can be used to develop competencies to assist training efforts of nurses in practice and educational settings.

Keywords: Clinical Nurse leader; Competencies; Nurse educator; Nursing educational curriculum; Transitional care.