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This paper reports on some outcomes of a research study evaluating a new assessment framework of clinical competence used in undergraduate nursing programmes in the Mid West Region of Ireland. First, this paper presents both the strengths and weaknesses of the present model, as articulated by student nurses. Second, it generates a broader critical debate around the concept of competency assessment. The model of competence in question was developed by the Irish Nursing Board then elaborated on by the University of Limerick in partnership with local health service providers in 2002. Methodology involved a triangulated approach, comprising a series of focus group interviews with students (n=13) and preceptors (n=16) followed by a survey of students (n=232) and preceptors (n=837). Findings from the student focus groups are reported here. Themes identified using Burnard's (1991) framework for analysis are preparation for competency assessment, competency documentation, supporting assessment in practice, organisational and resource factors and the competency assessment structure and process. Results from this research have implications for refinement and revision of the present competency assessment framework, for student and staff preparation and for collaboration between stakeholders.

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Leadership in nursing plays a crucial part in the provision of good patient care. However, the terms 'nursing leadership' and 'nursing management' are often confused. This article discusses the difficulties in defining 'clinical leadership', outlines its development in the Republic of Ireland, and identifies issues that must be addressed if clinical nurse leaders are to be effective.

The Community Wellness, Empowerment, Leadership and Lifeskills (CWell) program is a twoyear community-driven program developed in partnership between an underserved-community in Limerick City, and staff at the University of Limerick (UL), Ireland. This paper explores the transformative teaching and learning experiences that arose throughout the duration of the progam for the lecturers and students. Data were collected through interviews and focus groups with lecturers and students involved in the program. Students supported the notion of "learning differently" and focused around prior learning and attitude to learning, learning about learning and impact of learning. Lecturers supported the notion of "teaching differently," focusing on how they had revised their usual teaching practices to more overtly emphasize the importance of culturally-responsive pedagogy and student-centered learning (as opposed to content-centered) and the situated learning perspective. There is a necessity for research on diverse and innovative programs to inform culturally-responsive pedagogies and transformation for learning.

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