AACN Essentials

The Essentials

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The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education

The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education

Used to define quality in nursing education, the AACN Essentials outline the necessary curriculum content and expected competencies of graduates from baccalaureate, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. With the endorsement of the new AACN Essentials by the membership in April 2021, academic nursing is moving toward a new model and framework for nursing education using a competency-based approach.  AACN is committed to providing resources, education, and facilitate this transformation.

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Important Note: AACN has not endorsed any products or services related to the implementation of AACN Essentials. If AACN members have questions about specific products and services that claim to be endorsed by the association, please contact essentials@aacnnursing.org.

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Essentials Guides

AACN developed guides to the Essentials for Practice Partners, Development Officers, and Nursing Students, as they join schools of nursing in the transition to competency-based education.

    What Practice Partners Need to Know About the AACN Essentials     What Development Officers Need to Know About the AACN Essentials  What Prospective Nursing Students Need to know About the AACN Essentials

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Essentials Discussion Corner

Essentials Discussion Corner

AACN invites member deans and faculty to share details about their school’s Essentials implementation efforts, ask questions, and share practices that may help inform decision-making and next steps. 

To help facilitate discussions, AACN has created a dedicated discussion area to foster conversations about the Essentials. The forum can be used to share details about your school’s Essentials implementation efforts, ask questions, and share practices that may help inform decision-making and next steps. Members are encouraged to lead and participate in discussions. 

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