What is the difference between our old clinical ladder and the Professional Development Framework?

The new model provides greater opportunity for UMHS nurses. It improves upon the old clinical ladder in many ways, including:

• The new Framework allows nurses to continue to provide direct patient care while progressing professionally.
• In model of abundance, advancement is based on demonstrated professional behaviors, and is not restricted by budget.
• Nurses no longer compete against each other for a limited number of advancement opportunities.
• In the Framework, movement is self-directed and self-initiated. A nurse may apply to advance whenever he/she is ready and able to demonstrate behaviors that align to a Level. 
• Transfers may or may not result in a change in Framework level.  When transferring to “like” areas of current or past practice, the Framework permits you to retain your level as long as you demonstrate within 12 months that you continue to meet the behaviors for that Level. When you transfer to an “unlike” area of current or past practice, the Framework describes a process for level placement (see Transfers Across Units).

In this new Framework, how many D Level nurses will there be?      

There is no limit on the number of nurses who may advance to Level D.  Advancement is based on demonstration of behaviors. This is a model of abundance. As of July 2, 2004, UMPNC Contract paragraph 82A that called for budgetary limits on advancement was purposefully removed. This principle will continue in contract dated 2008.

When asking a peer for a Letter of Support for Advancement, can the peer be from any Level?

Yes. Letters of Support can be written by a nurse in any Level of Framework or from a nurse that is not part of Framework, such as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Educational Nurse Coordinator or Nurse Practitioner.

At least one Letter of Support must be from a nurse and must address the Clinical Skills & Knowledge Domain. Other members of the Health Care Team may also be asked to write a letter. Choose whomever you feel can best speak to the domain you have selected.

What happens if I want to transfer to another unit?  Will my progression through the levels start over?

It depends on whether that unit is determined to be a “like” or “unlike” area of current or past practice. "Like” and “unlike” areas are determined through a succinct set of criteria, and thus assist the nurse in maintaining a level wherever possible. See Transfer Across Units.

Can I advance within the Framework if I am not a Charge Nurse? What is the difference between a role and the behaviors?

Framework represents a paradigm shift:  A role, such as Charge Nurse, preceptor or committee member describes something you do that involves a number of specific tasks. Behaviors describe how you practice in a qualitative way.

Roles in and of themselves do not determine the depth of one’s nursing practice. Framework values how you practice nursing. It encompasses the depth and the scope of all of your work, and it does not require wearing the mantel of any particular role to advance.

So, yes, you can advance without being a Charge Nurse.

Where can I find a description of the Professional Framework behaviors?

You will find the Behaviors in Contract  Addendum D or in the Levels, Domains & Behaviors section of this Web site.

The knowledge, skill, depth of practice, critical thinking and contributions of the nurse are evident in the Professional Development Framework Domains and Behaviors. A developmental progression from Level A (a nurse with 0-12 months of experience) to the very skilled nurse at Level E is described in the Behaviors associated with each Level across each Domain.

Where did the behaviors come from?

The Framework Design Team benchmarked numerous hospitals, reviewed the literature and examined all existing UMHS Nursing Position descriptions.  Much thought was given to our rapidly changing practice environment in Health Care and the essential role of Nursing.

The Behaviors were first drafted by the Framework Design Team.  During the course of Contract Negotiations, the behaviors underwent significant revisions that were the result of dialog and open forums with nurses from across the Health System. Through the process of contract ratification, these behaviors were endorsed by the entire nursing community.

What are the Domains of the Professional Framework?

• Clinical Knowledge and Skills
• Therapeutic Relationships
• Professional Relationships
• Professional Development
• Advancing Practice through Innovation and Research

Is there an educational requirement for advancement?

No, there is not an educational requirement to advance through Levels A-E.
Per contract, a Level F is yet to be developed. One requirement for that level will be a Master’s Degree in Nursing. (Contract, Addendum D, Section A)

What happens if a RN’s application for a higher level is not granted?

The goal of Framework is to support as well as recognize the development of a nurse’s practice from novice to expert. If an application for advancement is not granted, suggestions will be offered to the RN as a way to apply successfully in the future. 

If the RN disagrees with the decision and the reasons given for not advancing he or she may appeal the decision. The appeals process is described on this Web site under Tools and Resources.

Will a nurse who has discipline in his/her file be automatically barred from advancement or renewal?

Discipline will not be an automatic bar to advancement or renewal, nor will the facts giving rise to the discipline be automatically discarded from consideration of advancement. (See Contract , Addendum D; Section C4)

Will I have to re-apply each year to retain my Framework Level?

No, but each year you will be expected to demonstrate at your performance evaluation that you continue to meet the behaviors associated with your Framework Level.  The annual performance evaluation will occur at the unit level between you and your manager. The performance evaluation is aligned with the Framework behaviors. Signed peer input, self evaluation and manager voice will be used for the renewal process. (See Contract  Addendum D, Section C for more information on the Annual Review Process.)

Will I be given release time to complete my application?

Application for advancement in Framework is an individual professional choice, not a job requirement. As in the past, no release or business time will be granted for the preparation of advancement applications. 

There is no allocated business time or indirect hours for successfully acheving a level D or E within Professional Development Framework.

What are the incentives for applying for advancement?

Incentives would include the opportunity for an increased hourly rate, recognition of expertise and the personal satisfaction around professional goals and achievement.