Multifaceted competence requirements in care homes: Ethical and interactional competence emphasized

Nurses need versatile competence to care for older people in care home settings. A modified Delphi study was conducted to identify competencies registered nurses and licensed practical nurses need to care for older people in care homes. A total of 38 panelists consisting of experienced professionals in clinical and managerial roles were recruited to identify types of competencies these nurses require. In total, 80 competencies for licensed practical nurses and 81 competencies for registered nurses were identified as necessary. This study has shown that licensed practical nurses are required to have similar competencies to registered nurses in care homes. Nurse managers, nurse educators, and policy makers should pay more attention, to nurses’ work requirements, especially for licensed practical nurses, and support nurses to meet the needs of older people living in care homes