Registered Nurse Competencies with an International Perspective: A Document Analysis Study

Purpose: To compare the competencies of registered nurses with an international perspective.Background: Rapid changes in scientific developments have important effects on the nursing profession. To adapt to these changes, the essential competencies of graduate nurses are updated by professional organizations.Methods: The document analysis method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The study included 9 countries that are members of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), which have a national nursing association, nursing undergraduate program professional qualification criteria, and accreditation structure. Countries' expected competencies from registered nurses were compared in line with the “Nursing Care Continuum Framework and Competencies” published by ICN in 2008, and similarities and differences were analyzed and interpreted. Results: Results show that competency guidelines are published by different organizations, and there is no standard classification of competencies. While 90.91% of the countries include accountability in their professional competence guides, ethical and legal practices and, principles of care are in all of the countries. 81.82% of the countries include leadership and management. Professional, personal, and quality development is addressed by all countries.Conclusions: It was determined the majority of nurse competencies are met by the countries included in the study, and language unity is achieved to a large extent. However, there are differences in the content and handling of competencies. It is clear that there is a need for further research that addresses the issue of professional competencies in nursing in-depth.