ACE Concept

Collectively, access, connection, and engagement (ACE) refer to a broad range of individual (e.g., preparation, life experience, resources), population (e.g., workforce needs, community characteristics), and social considerations (e.g., educational pathways, support systems, learning environments) and are adapted in the Essentials as foundational concepts which guide how nursing education is designed and delivered.

Although considered to be closely related, each serves a distinct purpose and understanding them separately can improve how they are applied in nursing education and nursing practice.

• Access references the availability of opportunities, resources, and pathways that enable individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to participate fully in nursing education and the profession. These backgrounds may include, but are not limited to, age; sex; race; ethnicity; sexual orientation; gender identity; family structures; geographic location; national origin; immigration status; language; physical or cognitive limitations that substantially affect daily activities; religious beliefs; and socioeconomic circumstances.
• Connection represents learning, work, and organizational environments in which faculty, students, staff, and administrators can build meaningful relationships, experience support, feel valued, and can contribute fully. Connected environments are intentional and value differing perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Within these environments, individuals work collaboratively to ensure that the perspectives and experiences of others are invited, acknowledged, and respected.
• Engagement in nursing education refers to the use of responsive educational systems and practices that recognize differences in learners’ preparation, experiences, and available resources, and provide appropriate support to promote full participation and academic success. Engagement-focused approaches strengthen access to nursing education, support learner development, and prepare graduates to meet professional competencies. Effective academic environments foster respect, clear expectations, and meaningful participation, enabling all learners to progress without unnecessary obstacles or limiting assumptions.

Two related concepts that align with access, connection, and engagement include addressing embedded barriers within educational systems and promoting professional responsibility and ethical practice to ensure students are prepared to provide effective care for all patient populations.

In nursing education, the concepts of access, connection, and engagement are further narrowed to address the student. Access refers to students’ responsibility to obtain and use the resources, instruction, clinical experiences, and support systems necessary for learning and skill development. Connection involves the student’s engagement in developing meaningful relationships formed between peers, staff, faculty, patients, as well as the links between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice that help learners integrate concepts into real-world care. Engagement describes the degree to which nursing students actively participate in their learning, showing curiosity, asking questions, practicing competency development, reflecting on experiences, and contributing to patient care and classroom or clinical discussions. Together, access, connection, and engagement form the foundation of effective nursing education and support students’ growth into competent, compassionate professionals.

What is ACE?