2.9 Performance management appraisal tools

The aim of performance management (or review) is to regularly review and assess staff performance against relevant criteria. These criteria will include the practice nurse job description and the ‘Competency standards for nurses working in general practice (www.anf.org.au/nurses_gp). It also provides an opportunity to identify professional development needs including training and mentoring.

By referring to the duties and responsibilities set out in the practice nurse job description position, difficulties in processes, procedures and team working can also be discussed providing an opportunity to identify barriers and facilitators to achieving performance targets. Performance targets include the work that is covered in the job description and those areas of specific skills or knowledge that employer or supervisor and the practice nurse agree will be the focus of the work of the practice nurse and the professional development of this individual employee.

Performance management also allows for formal acknowledgement of achievements. While an annual review date may be set where both the employer/supervisor and the practice nurse prepare beforehand to review their work performance, regular brief meetings can support the nurse with feedback and information that will enhance practice efficiency and quality. This is important during the initial orientation of the
nurse to the practice.

In order to provide a consistent approach to performance management, and to provide a means to plan for and document performance review and development needs, a performance appraisal tool can be used. It will then formalise and provide clear direction of what goals are to be achieved within the position and the means for achieving them. It is a good idea to initiate the performance review process in the second or third week of induction. A further schedule of review can then be timetabled according to the practice needs.

Performance review can include self assessment, peer assessment, as well as employer assessment. Templates for assessment tools are part of the ANF’s ‘Competency standards for nurses working in general practice’ (http://www.anf.org.au/nurses_gp).