How to write a nurse proficiency for VA

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

• Congratulations on your job offer at the VA hospital!

Writing a nurse proficiency report can be challenging, but having a clear outline can help you organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all necessary aspects.

Please read this excellent article How to Write VA Nurse Proficiency written by an allnurses member, @Arr-tistRN, who works for the VA. The author mentions nine dimensions, which are Practice, Ethics, Resource Utilization, Education/Career Development, Performance, Collaboration, Collegiality, Quality of Care, and Research. 

Here's a structured outline to guide you:

Here is a link to the Office of Nursing Services, and here's an outline:

Outline for Nurse Proficiency Report

1. Introduction

• Personal Information: Name, Job Title, Department, Date of Hire

2. Professional Practice

Clinical Competence

• Key skills and competencies
• Examples of clinical scenarios where you demonstrated proficiency
• Specific patient care outcomes

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with medical equipment and technology
• Any specialized procedures or certifications

3. Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Patient Interaction

• Methods for effective communication with patients and families

Patient education and advocacy

• Team Collaboration
• Working effectively with interdisciplinary teams
• Examples of teamwork and leadership in the clinical setting

4. Professional Development

Continuing Education

• Courses, certifications, and workshops attended
• Participation in professional organizations

Mentorship and Teaching

• Mentoring junior staff or students
• Conducting or participating in training sessions

5. Quality Improvement

Initiatives and Projects

• Involvement in quality improvement projects
• Examples of contributions to policy development or process improvement

Outcomes and Impact

• Measurable improvements in patient care or workflow efficiency

6. Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Research Participation

• Involvement in clinical research or studies
• Application of research findings to improve practice

Evidence-Based Practice

• Implementation of evidence-based interventions
• Examples of integrating research into patient care

7. Ethical and Professional Behavior

Ethical Practice

• Adherence to ethical standards and practices
• Examples of handling ethical dilemmas

Professionalism

• Commitment to professional standards and conduct
• Examples of maintaining professionalism in challenging situations

8. Summary and Conclusion

• Overall Performance
• Summary of key accomplishments and strengths

Areas for future growth and development

Goals

• Short-term and long-term professional goals
• Plans for continuing education and skill development

Tips for Writing Your Report

Be specific. Provide concrete examples and data to support your statements.

Use evidence. Reference policies, guidelines, and best practices that underpin your work.

Reflect on your experience. Think about how your experiences have shaped your practice and contributed to patient outcomes.

Be honest. Acknowledge areas where you seek to improve and outline development plans.

Proofread: Ensure your report is well-written, clear, and error-free.

Very best wishes,

Nurse Beth