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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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Latest Updates

September 25
Member School Update on Essentials Implementation Efforts
September 12
New Video Released - Conversations on CBE: The Dean's Role in AACN Essentials Implementation
September 6, 2023
Few Seats Remain for Regional Faculty Development Workshops
July 5, 2023
AACN Essentials Spotlighted at the ICN Meeting in Montreal

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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Latest Resources

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.

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Upcoming Essentials Regional Workshops

AACN is hosting a series of regional hands-on workshops for faculty seeking strategies, resources, and solutions to adapting their undergraduate and graduate programs to meet the new competency expectations.

Transform 2023 Pre-Conference - November 29, 2023

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Helpful Links

Just Announced! Essentials Coaching Program

Does your school of nursing need guidance on how to adapt your curriculum to align with the 2021 AACN Essentials and transition to competency-based education (CBE)? AACN’s Essentials Coaching Program is here to help! Offered on a contract-basis, this program provides expert coaches on request to help meet institution-specific needs for schools at all stages of Essentials implementation.

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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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