The Standard for Maintaining the Competence of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (2015) is a revision that updates the 2010 statement. As the professional voice of neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs), the National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NANNP) recognizes the need to remain relevant and responsible in setting standards for NNP practice. This statement presents the most current recommendations for maintaining and demonstrating continued NNP competence.

BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommend that nurse practitioners make a commitment to lifelong learning, professional development, and quality improvement.1,2 NNP practice requires specialized knowledge and skills to ensure safe, high-quality care for patients and families. In accordance with the AANP and IOM recommendations, NNPs must demonstrate a continued focus on education and development over the course of their careers. A formal method of demonstrating continued competence is necessary.

HIGHLIGHTS OF UPDATES

The Recommendations section was updated to include NANN's position on the acceptance of simulation and procedural review as well as actual performance of procedures as evidence of continued competence demonstration.3

CONCLUSIONS

As the professional voice of neonatal nurses and NNPs, both NANN and NANNP recommend that NNPs regularly undergo evaluation on the core competencies within the 7 domains identified in NANN's Education Standards and Curriculum Guidelines for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs.3 Maintenance of competence can be documented in a variety of ways. The full NANN position statement can be accessed at http://www.nann.org/education/content/positionstatements.html.

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