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

<p>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.</p> <p>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; <i>the provision of care</i>, <i>knowledge</i>, <i>communication and teamwork</i>, <i>ethical and professional responsibilities</i>.</p> <p>The use of NGT can be recommended as an efficient collaborative approach for any participatory action research or clinically based research.</p>