The ICNA core competencies were developed
through a consensus meeting of ICNs of varying
levels of experience, academic colleagues and
specialists in the field of infection control
education and nursing practice. At the time of the
meeting the consensus group was unaware ofthe
scope or the impact that this work would have.
The consensus group also needed to be
familiarised with competency development.
With reference to leading texts (Erault 1994,
Weightman 1994), the consensus group
identified precisely what ICNs did. The process
was essentially a standard setting exercise.
The first step was to ask the consensus group,
before meeting, to identify ten key elements of an
ICN's role. The consensus group was inundated
with suggestions which they began grouping
under key headings. Initially, six areas were
identified. These were later refined to four
'domains': specialist knowledge, healthcare
governance, learning and teaching and
leadership and management. The group defined
the details of these domains. The resulting
structure for the competencies was divided into
domains, areas of competence (more than one in
some domains), competency statement and key
criteria (Table 1). All of the specific roles
identified were grouped according to the area of
practice (Table 2) and key criteria were defined.
Next, the consensus group produced the first
draft ofthe competencies which was presented for
comment to the ICNA membership. One ofthe
key elements in the project was ensuring that the
terminology reflected a competent ICN in
practice. Such a position requires analytical and
reflective thinking and evaluation, so it was agreed
that these skills were reflected at first-level degree.
During the consultation period with the ICNA
membership there was concern because not all
ICNs have a first-level degree. However, on
reflection of working practices of experienced
ICNs it was clear that they were practising to this
level of evaluation and enquiry. One reason for
developing the competencies was to evaluate
individual performance against which to plan a
development programme - it is unnecessary to
undertake a first-level degree programme if ICNs
are already practising at this level. Master's level
study might be more pertinent