Essentials References

AACN is compiling a list of of references for the AACN 2021 Essentials. If you have an article to share, please contact AACN's Chief Communications Officer, Robert Rosseter at rrosseter@aacnnursing.org.

Adelman-Mullally, T., Nielsen, S., Ford, C. P., Astroth, K., & Chung, S. Y. (2024). Lessons Learned: Using a Three-Step Model of Planned Change for Nursing Curricular Revision. Journal of Professional Nursing, 53, 140–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.05.009

Altmiller, G. (2023). Curriculum Mapping for Competency-Based Education: Collecting Objective Data. Nurse Educator, 48(5), 287. DOI:10.1097/NNE.0000000000001462

Altmiller, G., Jimenez, F. A., & Wilson, C. (2024, July-August). Screen-Based Patient Simulation: An Exemplar for Developing and Assessing Competency. Nurse Educator, 49(4), 179-183. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001585

Antonelli, M. T., Poza, R., Richards, R., & Vitello, J. (2024). Development of a Master of Science, Nursing and Interprofessional Leadership Program: AACN Essentials in Action. Journal of Professional Nursing, 51(1), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.01.005

Barnes, R., Remick, J., Hughes-Gay, M., Opsahl, A., Townsend, C., Lash, R., & Bartlett Ellis, R. J. (2023). The AACN Essentials Journey. Journal of Professional Nursing, 46(X), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.11.010

Barton, A. J. (2024). Nursing Education and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Journal of Nursing Education, 63(7), 419–420. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20240617-01

Beasley, B., Reeves, N., & Riley, E. (2023). Introduction to Digital Health Course. Journal of Professional Nursing, 49, 64–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.09.002

Bradley, C., Kilmer, M., Raines, A. E., & Blair, D. (2024). Integrating Writing Across the Curriculum Strategies in Nursing Programs: An Avenue to Meet Competency-Based Education Criteria. Journal of Professional Nursing, 55, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.08.009

Burris, V. F., & Owens, J. K. (2024). Curriculum Evaluation and Alignment of Core Ideals: Application of a Values-Based Framework. Journal of Christian Nursing, 41(4), 231–237. https://doi.org/10.1097/cnj.0000000000001088

Bumbach, M. D., Carrington, J. M., Love, R., Bjarnadottir, R., Cho, H., & Keenan, G. (2024). The Use of Artificial Intelligence for Graduate Nursing Education: An Educational Evaluation. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000001059

Cary, M. P., De Gagne, J. C., Kauschinger, E. D., & Carter, B. M. (2024). Advancing Health Equity Through Artificial Intelligence: An Educational Framework for Preparing Nurses in Clinical Practice and Research. Creative Nursing, 30(2), 154–164. https://doi.org/10.1177/10784535241249193

Casler, K., & Masciola, R. (2025). Competency-Based Education and the AACN Essentials: Insights and Strategies for Preceptors of NP Students. The Nurse Practitioner, 50(4), 14–20. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.npr.0000000000000297

Cline, G. J., Rinaldi, K., Pryor, S., & Messer, M. (2024). Preparing Nurse Educator Students for the New National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCLEX and AACN Essentials. Journal of Nursing Education, 63(3), 192–196. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20231128-01

Cline, G., & Rinaldi, K. (2023). A Compelling Case for the Use of Backward Design to Advance Competency-Based Nursing Education. Nurse Educator, 48(5), E168-E169. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001388

Cole, H. S., Lippe, M. P., & Guerra, D. S. (2024). The Pathway to Developing a Competency-Based Tool for Entry-Level Nursing Simulation: A Delphi Study. Journal of Professional Nursing, 53, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.04.004

Coleman, C. (2023). American Association of Colleges of Nursing: New Essentials, Quality and Safety Domain. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 27(2), 199-203. https://doi.org/10.1188/23.cjon.199-203

Conklin, T. M. (2022). Improving Patient Outcomes While Applying New AACN Essentials to Clinical Nursing Education. Nurse Educator, 48(1), 57–57. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001270

Dahlin, C., Wholihan, D., Wiencek, C., Acker, K. A., Breakwell, S., Buschman, P., Cormack, C. L., DeSanto-Madaya, S., Doherty, C., Edwards, R., English, N., Fink, R. M., Goodnough, A. K., Lindell, K., Mazanec, P., McHugh, M. E., Moore, E. P., Obrecht, J. A., Pawlow, P., … Tresgallo, M. E. (2024). Recommendations for Specialty Palliative APRN Graduate Education. Nurse Educator. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001749

Day, K., & Hagler, D. A. (2024). Integrating the 4Ps in Masters-Level Nursing Education. Journal of Professional Nursing, 53, 16–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.04.003

DeBlieck, C. J., Correa, P., Whitten, L. J., Gross, M., Blanchette, L. P., Darnall, T. E., & Hernández, C. (2023). A Crosswalk of Foundational BSN Population Health Documents and the AACN Essentials. Public Health Nursing, 40(5), 717–723. https://doi.org/10.1111/phn.13213

Demorest, S., Cook, C., Schenk, E., Harris, L. W., & Earley, A. (2024). School of Nursing Climate Commitment: Nursing Faculty Bring Climate to the Classroom. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(5), 589. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050589

Dolansky, M. A., Dick, T., Byrd, E., Miltner, R. S., & Layton, S. S. (2023). The QSEN Competency Legacy Threaded Through the Entry-Level AACN Essentials. Nurse Educator, 49(2), 73–79. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001511

Douglass, B., Stager, S. L., Shaw, K., Hite, A., Solecki, S., Stanik-Hutt, J., & Tufts, G. (2024). Professional Identity in Nursing: Why it is Important in Graduate Education. Journal of Professional Nursing, 52, 50–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.03.004

Dugan, M. A., & Altmiller, G. (2023). AACN Essentials and Nurse Practitioner Education: Competency-Based Case Studies Grounded in Authentic Practice. Journal of Professional Nursing, 46, 59–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.02.003

Dunagan, P. B. (2024). A Comparison of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Basic Principles and Benefits of Competency-Based Nursing Education and Fink’s Taxonomy. Journal of Professional Nursing, 55, 140–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.09.008

Dunlap, J. J., Waldrop, J. B., Brewer, T. L., & Mainous, R. O. (2024). Differentiation and Integration of Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Quality Improvement. Journal of Nursing Education, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20240514-01

Finnegan, L., Kelly-Weeder, S., Akintade, B. F., Hooks, J. D., Idzik, S. R., & Ainslie, M. (2025). Harmonizing Excellence: Crafting the Nexus of Competencies, Standards, and Degree Demands in Nurse Practitioner Education. Nursing Outlook, 73(2), 102348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2025.102348

Flaten, C. B., Pechacek, J. M., Potter, T. M., & Mueller, C. (2023). Planetary Health in Nursing Curricula: How One School Transformed Nursing Curricula as They Integrated Planetary Health Concepts with the 2021 AACN Essentials. Journal of Professional Nursing, 49, 52–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.08.010

Galura, S., & Warshawsky, N. (2022). Initial Evaluation of a Doctor of Nursing Practice – Executive Track Program: The Development of a Three-Year Process to Implement the New AACN Essentials. Journal of Professional Nursing, 42, 276–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.07.014

Giddens, J. (2020). Demystifying concept-based and competency-based approaches. Journal of Nursing Education, 59(3):123-124. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20200220-01

Giddens, J., Douglas, J.P. & Conroy, S. (2022). The Revised AACN Essentials: Implications for Nursing Regulation. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(4), 16-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(22)00009-6

Giddens, J. F., & Mullaney, S. (2023). Incorporating the AACN Essentials ‘Spheres of Care’ into Nursing Curricula. Journal of Professional Nursing, 47, 9–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.03.015

Gilbert, M., Brown, K. M., & Watts, P. (2024). The Intersections Between Competency-Based Education and Simulation-Based Education: Integration in Nursing Education. Journal of Professional Nursing, 54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.08.010

Gray, K., Miller, J. M., & Manning, M. L. (2023). Aligning the Post Master’s DNP with the 2021 AACN Essentials. Journal of Professional Nursing, 46, 65–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.11.007

Hamilton, T. (2024). Preserving Creativity in Nurse Education. Nursing Science Quarterly, 38(1), 21–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/08943184241291560

Hampton, D., Melander, S., Tovar, E., Falls, C., Makowski, A., Grubbs, A. B., Chitwood, H., & Scott, L. (2024). Value of Miller’s Pyramid for Clinical Skills Assessment in the Evaluation of Competency for Nurse Practitioner Students. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 20(4), 104952. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2024.104952

Hays, D., Hay, B., Tassell, B., Zellefrow, C. G., & Milner, K. A. (2024). Charting a Path From the Graduate QSEN Competencies to the New Essentials. Nurse Educator. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001722

Heywood, N., Williams, R., Blackwell, D., Hommes, T., Franklin, S., & Nichols, L. S. (2025). Transforming RN-Baccalaureate Education Using Insights From a National Faculty Needs Assessment. Nurse Educator. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001794

Hitt, A., Seay, A., Russell, B., Martin, W. P., Casson, V., & Davenport, N. (2025). Simulating Chaos: Empowering Nursing Students Through a Disaster Response Drill. Journal of Nursing Education, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20241029-02

Hopkins Pepe, L., Duddy, P., Golbitz, P., Kling, K., Pecoraro, N., Poindijour, M., Smith, J., & Altmiller, G. (2024). Content Validation for a Medical-Surgical Orientation Competency Assessment Instrument. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 40(5), 231–235. https://doi.org/10.1097/nnd.0000000000001081

Hogan, L., Merrill, E., & Allen, P. (2025). The Year Long Journey: Transforming the BSN-DNP Curriculum. Journal of Professional Nursing, 56, 12–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.09.002

Hogan, S., Metcalf, M., Galloway, A., Krueger, N., & Larsson, L. (2024). Enhancing Nursing Education Through Mobile Health Clinics: Aligning AACN Core Competencies with Pediatric Clinical Experiences in Rural and Indigenous Communities. Nurse Education in Practice, 81, 104200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.104200

Horton-Deutsch, S., Willis, D. G., Llasus, L., Beck, M., Fankhauser, K., Ambrosio-Mawhirter, D., & Watson, J. (2025). Weaving Caring Science into the AACN Essentials: A Cross-Impact Analysis and Resource Guide. Journal of Professional Nursing, 56, 36–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.11.001

Howett, M., Murphy, H., Daniels, A., Goodwin, J., McElroy, K., Smith, N., & Ulicny, M. P. (2024a). Innovating to Meet AACN Essentials in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Journal of Professional Nursing, 54, 134–141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.03.012

Jenkins-Weintaub, E., Goodwin, M., & Fingerhood, M. (2023). Competency-Based Evaluation: Collaboration and Consistency from Academia to Practice. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 35(2), 142–149. https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000830

Johnston, H., Smith, P., Fitzwater, J., & Volkert, D. (2024). A Stepwise Approach to Integrating the New Essentials into a Master’s Entry Nursing Curriculum. Journal of Professional Nursing, 52, 56–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.03.010

Kao, H.-F. S., Hung, C.-C., Fowler, K. R., Chu, T.-P., & Kiani, S. (2024). AACN Competency-Based Essentials Revisit: Evidence-Based Validation of Entrustable Professional Activities in Asia. Nurse Education in Practice, 79, 104096. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.104096

Kavanagh, J. & Sharpnack, P. (2021) Crisis in competency: A defining moment in nursing education. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 26(1), Manuscript 2. Accessible online at https://www.doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol26No01Man02

Kronk, R., Lucas, D., & Williams, S. (2023). Nurse Practitioner Education: Uniting the 2021 Essentials with the Core Competencies on Disability Health Care Education. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 36(2), 121–127. https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000953

Leaver, C., Stanley, J. & Goodwin Veenema, T. (2022). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the future of nursing education. Academic Medicine, 97(3S), S82-S89. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000004528

Lippe, M., Davis, A., Stock, N., Mazanec, P., & Ferrell, B. (2022). Updated Palliative Care Competencies for Entry-to-Practice and Advanced-Level Nursing Students: New Resources for Nursing Faculty. Journal of Professional Nursing, 42, 250–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.07.012

Mainous, R. O., Dunlap, J. J., & Brewer, T. L. (2023). Realizing the DNP as Envisioned: Moving Toward Consistent Nomenclature, Curricula, and Outcomes. Nursing Outlook, 71(3), 101969. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2023.101969

Martin, D. R., & Furr, S. B. (2023). Through the Lens of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) New Essentials: Integration of Human Trafficking Education and Simulation Within Baccalaureate Nursing Curricula. Journal of Professional Nursing, 47, 31–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.04.003

McCurren, C., Trautman, D., & Rosseter, R. (2024). Response to “DNP Preparation of Primary Care Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Chronic Conditions” (Nursing Outlook, May/June 2023). Nursing Outlook, 72(1), 102055. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2023.102055

Moore, J., Chan, T., Doucette, J., Lipps, T., & Slager, D. (2024). Defining Nurse Practitioner Core Entrustable Professional Activities. Nurse Educator, 49(5), 235–240. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001673

Moreau, K.A. (2021). Exploring the connection between programmatic assessment and program evaluation within competency-based medical education programs. Medical Teacher, 43(3), 250-252. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2020.1841128

Mueller-Burke, D., Bindon, S., Akintade, B., & Idzik, S. (2024). The AACN Essentials: An Intentional Framework for Successful Implementation. Journal of Professional Nursing, 52, 62–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.03.009

Norman-Eck, R., Chandler, T., Boyd, B., DeCotes, C., Winters, N., Palmer, L., & Levitt, C. (2023). Meeting the AACN’s Essentials for Competency-Based Education with Hands-Free Video-Recorded Skills Assessment. Journal of Nursing Education, 62(12), 733–736. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20231108-01

Paice, J. A., Malloy, P., Mazanec, P., Coyne, P. J., & Virani-Cooksey, R. M. (2025). Dr. Betty Ferrell and the Extraordinary Pursuit of Worldwide Palliative Nursing Education. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 69(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.10.008

Parekh de Campos, A., Kirkpatrick, A., Clark, S. B., & Barnett, K. (2024). Palliative Care Competence Development Through Simulation: Excellence & Innovation to Meet the AACN Essentials. Journal of Professional Nursing, 54, 118–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.07.002

Pearson, M. C., & Shumway, J. (2025). Exploring the Impact on Faculty of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. Journal of Professional Nursing, 57, 139–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2025.02.003

Potthoff, M., Kirkpatrick, A. J., & Jizba, T. A. (2023). Interprofessional Primary Palliative Care: Do the AACN Essentials Prepare Nurses for Collaborative Practice? Journal of Professional Nursing, 46, 197–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2023.03.017

Rinaldi, K., Messer, M., Hanson, A., & Chan, J. (2025). Utilization of Backward Design in Health Professional Education: A Rapid Review. Journal of Professional Nursing, 58, 31–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2025.02.004

Rivera-Burciaga, A. R., Palacios, M., & Kemery, S. A. (2022). Educating for Equity in Palliative Care: Implications of the Future of Nursing 2030 Report. Journal of Professional Nursing, 42, 134–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.06.012

Roberts, M. L., Sinacori, B., Hassler, L. J., & Filippelli, A. (2024). Elevating Competency-Based Education in Baccalaureate Nursing: A Simulation Integration Project. Journal of Professional Nursing, 54, 45–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.06.014

Robinson, J., Jagiello, K. P., McElroy, L., LoVerde, J., Jowell, V., Good, P., & Brink, S. (2024, July-August). Competency-Based Education in RN to BSN Programs. Nurse Educator, 49(4), 195-199. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001604

Saunders, M.M. (2022, May/June). The Implications of the New Essentials on the CNS Profession—Let's Respond! Clinical Nurse Specialist, 36(3), 129-130. https://doi:10.1097/NUR.0000000000000668

Sharifi, C., Alcorn, K., Downey, K., Hinton, E. G., Sender, J., & Ver Steeg, J. (2022). AACN Essentials: Librarians as Partners in Successful Implementation. Journal of Professional Nursing, 42, A3-A5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.07.019

Sirianni, G., Takahashi, S., & Myers, J. (2020). Taking stock of what is known about faculty development on competency-based medical education: A scoping review paper. Medical Teacher, 42(8), 909-915. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159x.2020.1763285

Sokolowich, J. R. (2025). Unintended Consequences – Risk for Bias in Competency-Based Assessment. Nurse Education Today, 144, 106404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106404

Spracklin, E., & Espina, C. R. (2024). SIFT-ing Through Misinformation: Reflection Notebooks to Teach Critical Digital Literacy. Nurse Educator. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001760

Spurlark, R. S., Akintade, B., Broholm, C., Clark, R., Fyle-Thorpe, O., Gatewood, E., Graves, S., Kuster, A., Mihaly, L., Mitchell, S., Newton, T., Quattrini, V., & Kirkland, T. (2025). Advanced Practice Nursing Education: Strategies to Advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Journal of Nursing Education, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20241119-01

Stachowiak, M. (2023). Using the DNP Project to Validate the AACN Essentials Level II Sub-Competencies. Nurse Educator, 49(3), 175–177. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001531

Stager, S. L., Mitchell, S., Bigley, M. B., Kelly-Weeder, S., & Fogg, L. (2023). Exploring Clinical Practice Hours in Postbaccalaureate-to-Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Practitioner Programs. Nurse Educator, 49(1), 8–12. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001506

Stubin, C. A., Avallone, M., & Manno, M. S. (2024). Addressing the 2021 Essentials with New Approaches for Developing Leadership, Resilience, and Self-Care/Well-Being in Undergraduate Baccalaureate Nursing Students. Journal of Professional Nursing, 54, 24–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.06.003

Swan, B. A., Jones, K. D., Hayes, R., Kaligotla, L., McDermott, C., Rodriguez, J., & McCauley, L. (2024). Reject the “Practice Readiness Myth”: Ask if Systems are Ready for Nursing Graduates Instead. Nursing Outlook, 72(5), 102181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102181

Thiele, D. K., & Armstrong, G. (2025). Implementing SQUIRE Guidelines to Improve Standardization and Rigor of DNP Projects. Journal of Professional Nursing, 56, 85–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.12.004

Vortman, R., Stogis, S., & Kirkbride, G. (2022). Envisioning the New AACN Essentials in a Competency-Based DNP Strategic and Financial Business Planning Course. Journal of Professional Nursing, 42, 231–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.07.011

Vortman, R., Quintana, D., Oliver-Coleman, J., Baker, J. D., & Wagner, D. (2024). Roadmap for Integrating the AACN Essentials with Perioperative Nursing. Journal of Professional Nursing, 53, 35–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.04.007

Welch, T. D., & Smith, T. B. (2022). AACN Essentials as the Conceptual Thread of Nursing Education. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 46(3), 234–244. https://doi.org/10.1097/naq.0000000000000541

Wells-Beede, E., Sharpnack, P., Gruben, D., Klenke-Borgmann, L., Goliat, L., & Yeager, C. (2023). A Scoping Review of Nurse Educator Competencies. Nurse Educator, 48(5), 234–239. https://doi.org/10.1097/nne.0000000000001376

Wilson, M. L., Stover Nichols, L. M., & Rudner, N. (2023). Nursing and the Evolution of Population Health. American Nurse Journal, 18(6), 53–57. https://doi.org/10.51256/anj062353

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The Journal of Professional Nursing is AACN’s peer-reviewed official journal and is the leading source for scholarly publication related to the AACN 2021 Essentials and Essentials implementation in nursing education. Of particular interest are articles on how to integrate the Essentials into the curriculum and implementing competency-based education. To discuss your manuscript idea, contact editor Dr. Patricia Morton at Trish.Morton@utah.edu.

Essentials References

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