Matrix of collective competences of nurses in perioperative care

Abstract

Objective: to develop a matrix of collective competences of nurses in perioperative care. Method: in this qualitative study, 43 perioperative nurses working in five hospital institutions participated in focus groups, from January to April 2018. The data were interpreted by inductive thematic analysis. The study was approved by the research ethics committee of the proponent institution. Results: the collective competences identified included: knowledge of the specifics of care and the perioperative unit; management of material and financial resources; and people management and teamwork. The competency matrix was built up from the focus group discussions, plus the literature, which included the meanings and behaviors associated with each competency. Conclusions: a matrix of nurses’ collective competences should direct the human talents available in the organization towards positions and functions by identifying these professionals’ existing competences and gaps in their training to provide perioperative care.