Competencies can be defined as clusters of related behaviours, arising from an individual’s knowledge, skills and personal characteristics that are determinants of professional performance.

There are eight competency standards representing minimum requirements in key outcome areas for clinical renal physiologists/technicians in New Zealand and Australia. These competencies apply across the lifespan and continuum of care, integrate cultural diversity and are of equal importance. At all times the patient is central to the competencies.

The eight competencies standards are:

1. Practice clinical dialysis in a professional manner

2. Communicate effectively

3. Assess, analyse and plan clinical dialysis interventions

4. Provide safe and effective clinical dialysis treatment

5. Apply educational principles to clinical dialysis practice

6. Demonstrate autonomy, practicing within the limits of the certification program

7. Apply management principles relevant to clinical dialysis

8. Demonstrate dialysis related technical practice

The competencies are expressed in broad terms to allow for continual evolution of clinical renal physiologist/technician practice. The competencies developed are to be read in conjunction with the clinical renal physiologist/technician scope of practice.

Competence to practice is essential in keeping our patients safe, and ensuring evidence-based best practice care is provided at all times. This package should be completed in consultation with an educator or clinical supervisor/manager. If you are a sole practitioner, please contact the NZASRDP for assistance (admin@nzasrdp.com).

Keeping the eight competency standards in mind, all theory components of this package must be completed. Clinical components need to be completed as defined by your position description within your scope of practice, and according to local policy and procedure guidelines.

Clinical Competence Assessment

Clinical competence is assessed using an observed clinical competency assessment. The assessment of competence must be carried out by nominated workplace assessors or educators who have relevant expertise in the skill to be assessed, and undertaken within the context of practice so as to capture evidence of skills, attitudes and knowledge.

Information for Assessors

Clinical skills are to be marked as demonstrated or not demonstrated. For competence to be achieved, directive cues must not be used.

Directive cues – Assistance or cues that give direction or correct the candidate’s performance or expression of knowledge; can be verbal or physical.[1]

Directive cues may be used during an observed clinical competency assessment to maintain the safety of a patient and prevent actions that have the potential to cause harm. If used, candidate must be marked as not yet competent.

If a candidate is marked as not yet competent, a learning development plan should be put in place and the individual given another opportunity to demonstrate competence in the clinical skill. If assistance or advice is required, please contact the NZASRDP (admin@nzasrdp.com).

All clinical skills should be performed within the candidate’s scope of practice and in accordance with local policy and procedure guidelines. The assessment tools provided should be used as a guide.