There are five Levels within the Professional Development Framework. Each describes a nursing practice from the novice nurse at Level A, a new graduate nurse with less than 18 months of experience, to a nurse at Level E whose expertise is exemplified by highly developed clinical skills as well as high level contributions within the UMHS community and, perhaps, beyond.

There are five Domains of Nursing Practice described in the Professional Development Framework:  Clinical Skills and Knowledge; Therapeutic Relationships; Professional Relationships; Professional Development; and Advancing Practice through Innovation and Research. Each domain contains Subheadings that further delineate that area of practice. The Domains and their subheadings are:

Clinical Skills & Knowledge - get details on this Domain

1. Nursing Process
2. Technology
3. Patient/Family Education
4. Policy/Procedures/Protocols
5. Promoting Culture of Safety
6. Documentation

Therapeutic Relationships - get details on this Domain

1. Therapeutic Communication
2. Empowerment—nurse, patient, family
3. Compassion
4. Advocacy and Ethics
5. Valuing of Diversity

Professional Relationships - get details on this Domain

1. Collaboration with Health Care Team
2. Valuing Teams/Teamwork
3. Delegation
4. Valuing of Diversity

Professional Development - get details on this Domain

1. Self
2. Contribution to others

Advancing Practice through Innovation & Research - get details on this Domain

1. Research
2. Innovation

Behaviors describe the expected performance of a nurse at each Level of the Framework. Behaviors are described for each Domain of Nursing Practice.  When read across the behavior grid, progression in behaviors is evident.  Nurses must demonstrate a preponderance of behaviors within a given level in order to advance.