Professional Development Framework:
FAQs
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).
Click on question to see answer:
In this new Framework, how many D and E Level nurses will there be?
There is no limit on the number of nurses who may advance to Level D and E. 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 continues in UMPNC contract 2008.
When asking a peer for a Letter of Support for Advancement, can the peer be from any Level?
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?
Can I advance within the Framework if I am not a Charge Nurse? What is the difference between a role and the behaviors?
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?
Framework (and Role Specific Advancement Model) behaviors are part of the contractual agreement, but are too lengthy to place into the actual contract document because of the numerous pages and the significant increased cost in duplication of the contract.
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 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?
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 an RN’s application for a higher level is not granted?
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?
Will I be given release time to complete my application?
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?
Last reviewed: 11/14/11
