Moving forward with a clear definition of continuing competence.

In response to the need for a clear definition of continuing competence, a task force of nursing leaders, which included a health care consumer representative, developed a definition of continuing competence. The task force reviewed extensive literature and engaged in thoughtful, directed dialogue. This article describes the process and product of its work, Statement on Continuing Competence in Nursing: A Call to Action.

Forging links between nutrition and healthcare using community-based partnerships.

This pilot project tested the feasibility of a community-based partnership between community clinics and food pantries as an approach to combat diet-related illnesses and engage low-income individuals in healthcare. Many communities possess both kinds of agencies, which serve similar clienteles and are geographically near each other, but these types of agencies rarely have partnered. The "LINKS" program built partnerships between clinics and food pantries at 2 sites.

Infusion nursing certification: identification of stakeholders and demonstration of the value of certification.

Nursing certification acknowledges professional achievement and competent practice. To establish the importance of certification, it is necessary to determine the value that primary and secondary stakeholders place on certification. The Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC) participated in a national study on the Value of Specialty Nursing Certification.

Perceived value of nursing certification--summary of a national survey.

The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) conducted a survey to determine the value professional nurses place on nursing certification as well as barriers to certification. This article presents an overview of the survey results in general and specifically the views of nephrology nurse participants.

The value of specialty nursing certification.

The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) undertook a national study to validate nurses' perceptions, values, and behaviors related to certification. A Web-based survey was developed and disseminated to certified nurses, noncertified nurses, and nurse managers. Of the 11,427 respondents, 8,615 (75%) identified themselves as certified nurses, and 2,812 (25%) were noncertified nurses.

Environmental uncertainty and collaboration among California nonprofit hospitals.

Meeting the health needs of a community involves developing relationships with a wide range of partners. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of environmental uncertainty on the level of interorganizational relations among nonprofit hospitals with the intent of providing community benefit. Findings indicate that nonprofit hospitals in California are collaborating to provide community benefit.