3.12 Understanding performance management

Most employing organisations have a system of performance review. The aim of performance management (or review) is to regularly review and assess performance against relevant criteria. For nurses working in general practice, these criteria might include the practice nurse job description and the Practice Nurse Competency Standards. Performance review also provides an opportunity to identify professional development needs including training and mentoring, and for formal acknowledgement of an employee’s achievements.

By referring to the duties and responsibilities set out in the position description, 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 skills or knowledge areas that are the agreed focus of the individual nurse’s work and development as a practice nurse.

Performance review may include an annual review date where both employer/supervisor and employee prepare beforehand to review performance, however it is useful to request to also have regular brief meetings for support, feedback and information.

For more information: www.anf.org.au/anf_pdf/G_Performance_review.pdf