Designing a competency model for middle-level nurse managers using Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM)

Identification of competencies is necessary base for a succession plan and efficient human resource management. Studies show that this important issue has been neglected by using the competency model at the middle-level nurse managers.
Since, the methods based on fuzzy logic provide the possibility of mathematical formulation of ambiguous concepts, such as competence. The aim of this study was to design a competency model for middle-level nurse managers using FDM in the second half of 1399.

This study was conducted according to health system management studies. The population included all managers of nursing services (matrons) of hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Census sampling used and research samples included 14 nursing service managers (as experts). After reviewing literatures, an initial conceptual model was designed. In the following, two next steps were conducted as a survey form was used to receive the opinions of experts confirming the model leveling. In the second step, the indicators were screened using the FDM.

All participants were female and 9 people had a master degree. The experts' agreement with the model leveling was 90%, which indicated that it was approved. In FDM, the indicators with crisp values higher than 0/7 were confirmed by experts. The design model consisted of 3 dimensions technical, relational, perceptual, 6 components, 14 indicators and 28 sub-indicators.

This study showed that the criteria for selecting middle-level nurse managers include various dimensions of competence including technical, relational and perceptual. Senior managers can use the results of this research to achieve an appropriate planning for succession plan.