Perceived Knowledge Level among Home Health Care Nurses: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Education, training, and competency assessment of home health care personnel is receiving increased attention due to the demands of managed care, health care reform, cost containment initiatives, accreditation, and regulatory bodies. Staff development educators carry the burden of competency assessment and therefore are in need of a method to analyze staff's perceived level of knowledge prior to beginning a competency program. This article summarizes the results of a descriptive correlational study that determined how home care registered nurses perceived their level of nursing knowledge. The areas of knowledge covered in the study included nursing process and nursing scientific knowledge. These areas of knowledge have been linked to synthesis of nursing practice and subsequent competency. The results of this research provide staff development with suggested methods to develop or enhance competency programs in home care.