Competence: an evolving concept.

Formal and informal definitions of competence are the basis for building a useful understanding of the concept. However, further dissection and analysis are necessary before the concept of competence can be rebuilt into a new and more meaningful whole useful in theory development and hypothesis generation around staff development and continuing education in nursing. Reflection, analysis, thought, perception, visualization, and contextualization of the concept of competence are the foci of this article.