Competence development among nurses: the process of constant interaction.

Background: The importance of competence to nursing practice was the motivation for this study, which explored nurses' experience in developing their competence as they progress through their careers.

Methods: In accordance with grounded theory method, data collection and data analysis were performed simultaneously using the constant comparative method.

Results: Data revealed that nurses developed competence through an iterative process called "the process of constant interaction." This five-stage process was found to be a complex, ongoing interpersonal dynamic between the nurse and the surrounding world.

Conclusions: Although the nurse is the key player in the process of his or her own competence development, employers have a pivotal responsibility in facilitating the nurse's progress toward ongoing professional competence, which is a key element of the quality of care.