Using Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to reach consensus on graduate attributes for nurses undertaking postgraduate certification in neonatal intensive care in Australia

Nominal Group Technique is a qualitative/quantitative exploratory research method often used in situations requiring complex problem solving, decision-making, priority-setting and consensus reaching. This paper aims to describe use of Nominal Group Technique to develop National Graduate Attributes for nurses undertaking Postgraduate Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care in Australia.

The participants for this Nominal Group workshop were recruited from the members of the Australian College of Neonatal Nurses, Neonatal Nurses Education Special Interest Group, as they had a particular interest in the development of nationally recognised graduate attributes. The research identified core graduate attributes incorporating four themes of; the provision of care, knowledge, communication and teamwork, ethical and professional responsibilities.

The use of NGT can be recommended as an efficient collaborative approach for any participatory action research or clinically based research.