Abstract
This research aimed to develop essential competencies of registered nurses in terms of nursing for emerging infectious disease COVID-19 and develop a competency development model of emerging infectious disease COVID-19 nursing of primary, secondary, and tertiary health service units in collaboration with stakeholders. Research implementation was conducted using Emancipatory Action Research. Research participants were 6 physicians and 53 registered nurses, of which 10 were from primary, 31 from secondary, and 12 from a tertiary health service unit. Research instruments consisted of 1) instruments for quantitative data collection including the questionnaire of essential competencies of registered nurses in terms of nursing for emerging infectious disease COVID-19, the questionnaire of the competency development model of registered nurses in terms of nursing for emerging infectious disease COVID-19, and questionnaire of satisfaction of competency development model of emerging infectious disease COVID-19 nursing, 2) instruments for qualitative data collection including 1) behavioral-based interview form, 2) in-depth interview form, and 3 focus group discussion form. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis was used for qualitative data. Research results revealed that 1) registered nurses of primary, secondary, and tertiary health service units had an overall higher mean score of essential competencies of registered nurses in terms of nursing for emerging infectious disease COVID-19 in each loop of research. A higher mean score was found on both professional and technical competencies. 2. Competency development model of registered nurses in terms of nursing for emerging infectious disease COVID-19 consisted of 3 components including practice guidelines, competency development method, and factors promoting competency development. Practice guidelines consisted of 5 main steps including 1) specification of essential performance competencies, 2) development of monitoring system, support, and empowerment, 3) specification of self-competence development guideline, 4) implementation of the competency development plan and, 5) summarization and report of development result. The Competency development method consisted of 6 activities including 1) workshop, 2) on-the-job training, 3) learning from experts, 4) coaching, 5) self-study, and 6 knowledge sharing. Factors promoting competency development included the role of nursing leaders, policy and explicit practice guidelines, and a good attitude towards the profession
