Self-Evaluation of Core Competency Development Among Specialist Community Practitioner (SCP) and Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Students During a Practice Placement Transition

Lavery, J ORCID: 0000-0003-4252-9909 and Logan, S Self-Evaluation of Core Competency Development Among Specialist Community Practitioner (SCP) and Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Students During a Practice Placement Transition. British Journal of Community Nursing. ISSN 1462-4753 (Accepted)

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Abstract

Background
The Specialist Community Practitioner (SCP) and Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) programmes are demanding, leading to both professional and academic qualifications. Following COVID-19, SCP and SCPHN students from school and district nursing fields were relocated as part of staffing adjustments.
Objectives
This study aims to explore the impact of placement changes on SCP students' development in four key clinical domains: clinical care, leadership and management, facilitation of learning and education, and research development. It seeks to understand how students evaluate their personal growth as a result of an acute change in their practice placement.
Method
A cross-sectional design was used to capture a snapshot of students' experiences after the placement changes. Surveys, conducted several weeks post-placement change, used a Likert scale (1-10) to assess students' self-reported development in the key clinical domains.
Data Analysis
Pre- and post-placement ratings for each student were compared. Descriptive analysis and statistical averages were used to identify trends in students’ confidence and areas for improvement.
Results
There was an overall increase in competencies across all 4 areas, and most participants developed their skills and confidence by the end of placement change. Clinical care and leadership demonstrated the most significant gains.
Conclusion
This study highlights the value of diverse placement experiences in building clinical, leadership, and educational capabilities whilst also identifying that structure and continuity in placement areas may enhance learning outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1110 Nursing; 4205 Nursing
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RT Nursing
Divisions:	Nursing and Advanced Practice Public and Allied Health
Publisher:	MA Healthcare
Date of acceptance:	6 January 2026
Date Deposited:	04 Feb 2026 15:13
Last Modified:	04 Feb 2026 15:13
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28043

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