Welcome to the Essentials Tool Kit

The Essentials Tool Kit is a continuously evolving resource designed to assist faculty and others engaged in implementing the 2021 Essentials, including the transition to competency-based education and competency-based assessment. The tool kit provides the following:

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Teaching Resource Database

This database includes extracted resources from the 18 Domain and Concept Tool Kit Working Groups. This database is continuously evolving and new teaching resources will be posted. All resources will be reviewed regularly for currency and relevance with new resources added as appropriate.  Each resource includes the following:

  • Overview and How to Use
  • Recommended Learning Strategies
  • Recommended Assessment Strategie
  • Possible Courses 
  • Additional Resources and Publications
  • Subcompetencies Mapping to Domains

NOTE: Tool kit content is reviewed regularly for currency and relevance with new resources added as appropriate.

Access the Database

Submit a Teaching Resource to the Database

Do you have a specific resource or teaching tool that can help faculty implement the 2021 Essentials into their curriculum? Note: All submissions will undergo a peer-review process.

Submit a Resource

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Curriculum Mapping Tools

 Tools developed by faculty to help schools align their programs with the 2021 Essentials.

View Mapping Tools

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Implementation Spotlights

Showcases member schools efforts to adapt their nursing programs to meet the expectations outlined in the 2021 Essentials. Spotlight includes:

  • Approaches used to revise curriculum to meet the new standards
  • Tools or strategies that help advance the work
  • Practice partnerships and how they are implementing new learning and assessment measures

View Spotlights

Share Your School's Implementation Efforts

AACN is interested in hearing from member schools about efforts to adapt nursing programs to meet the expectations outlined in the 2021 Essentials. Consider the following questions. Please send us a short summary of the work underway at your school for publication in an upcoming issue of News Watch. 

Share with AACN

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Video Gallery

AACN has created a video gallery showcasing clips focused on the 2021 Essentials and the move to competency-based education. As a special highlight, videos with insights from member deans and faculty who are leading the effort to adapt their programs to meet the new expectations are featured.

Watch Videos

Submit a Video

AACN invites members to share their efforts to adapt nursing programs to meet the expectations outlined in the 2021 Essentials.  Submit a video to be featured in this new section of our online Gallery of Leadership by completing the form below.

Submit a Video