sorted and merged into categories. A recording scheme to systematically categorise the described work categories into the pre-determined and themes was developed prior to competency study, based on and the nursing description process (Table 2.) The themes were: leadership (for subcategories mal/informal/executive (assessment/planning/ tools); nurs- ing practice action/evaluation); nursing of method); and content/educational Quotes research and development.21 and statements that expressed the categories were merged under each theme. Any doubts about which cate- to gory a statement best were discussed in the research group until consensus was reached. The results are presented under each theme and are exemplified by quotes