The Essentials

Reimagining RN-Baccalaureate Programs Through Competency-Based Education

Virtual Workshop | November 3–4, 2026 | 12–4 pm (ET) each day

Description

This interactive two-day workshop is designed to support RN-BSN faculty and program leaders in implementing the AACN Essentials through a competency-based education (CBE) approach. Participants will explore the unique role of RN-BSN education in preparing practice-ready graduates, examine common misconceptions about Essentials implementation, and apply backward design principles to program development. Through case examples, demonstrations, and facilitated breakout sessions, attendees will develop strategies for designing experiential learning opportunities, identifying meaningful progression indicators, and creating assessment approaches that demonstrate competency attainment. Participants will leave with practical tools, refined implementation plans, and actionable ideas for advancing Essentials implementation within their own RN-BSN programs.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Describe the role of competency-based education in RN-BSN implementation of the AACN Essentials
  • Apply backward design principles to RN-BSN curriculum development.
  • Develop progression indicators that support competency attainment across the RN-BSN curriculum.
  • Design experiential learning and assessment strategies that demonstrate competency achievement.

Participants may earn up to 7 CEUs for Nursing Continuing Professional Development.

Please note: Registration is restricted to one participant per registration. Multiple participants under one registration will not be permitted, and groups will be asked to register individually. These strict requirements should be taken into account when registering for this event.

Program

View agenda.

Registration Fees

Workshop Standard
AACN Members $249
AACN Non-Members $349

  • You may substitute your virtual registration to another individual within your organization. This must be done by contacting the AACN Conference Department via email at conferences@aacnnursing.org.
  • If a substitution is not possible, your cancellation request must be received in writing and confirmed by AACN; otherwise, it cannot be honored. The following refund arrangements will then apply:
    • Cancellation requests received up to two weeks prior to the event start date, will be refunded minus a $90 non-refundable administrative fee.
    • No refunds will be given for notices received within two weeks of the event start date, nor will refunds be given for no-shows.
    • No-show registrations with an open balance will be charged the non-refundable administrative fee as outlined above after the event.
  • Your cancellation request must be submitted in writing to conferences@aacnnursing.org and confirmed by AACN.

Please note: AACN will issue refunds within a 2-week time period of receipt of written cancellation notice.

Event Cancellation by AACN

AACN reserves the right to modify, postpone/reschedule or cancel this conference and any related group activity for any circumstance beyond AACN's control, including but not limited to emergency, acts of God, government regulations, disaster, strike, and non-fulfilment of minimum group requirements. If AACN cancels an event, every attempt will be made to reschedule or provide a modified virtual offering, and registration fees will be applied to the rescheduled/virtual event. If a cancelled event cannot be rescheduled, AACN will issue a full refund of the registration fee(s). Any travel, lodging, or incidental expenses incurred related to a cancelled/postponed event cannot be refunded under any circumstances as AACN resumes no responsibility for such expenses.

Presenter

  • Stephen D. Heglund, PhD, MSN, APRN

    Professor & RN-BSN Program Coordinator
    AdventHealth University

  • Joan Stanley, PhD, NP, FAANP, FAAN

    Contractor & Senior Advisor to AACN President/CEO

  • Jamie Robinson, PhD, RN, CNL

    Associate Professor
    Associate Director, School of Nursing
    James Madison University

  • Rhonda Williams, DNP, RN, CNE

    RN-BSN Program Coordinator and Teaching Professor
    Ascension Via Christi-Wichita State University School of Nursing