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AACN Essentials

The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education CoverUsed 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 guidance to bring about this transformation.

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AACN Essentials Marketplace

AACN is considering requests from companies and organizations interested in developing products, services, and education to assist in the implementation of the new Essentials. Those interested must complete the AACN Essentials Partners Interest Survey.

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The Essential Update - The Latest on AACN's New Essentials

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Sample Resources from the Essentials Implementation Tool Kit

The Essentials Tool Kit is a continuously evolving resource designed to assist faculty and others engaged in implementing the new Essentials, including the transition to competency-based education and competency-based assessment. The Tool Kit will provide recommendations and examples of learning strategies, suggested resources, recommended content, and assessment strategies for each of the 10 domains and 8 concepts identified in the Essentials. Recommendations will be provided for both entry-level and advanced-level nursing education.
 
Tool kit content is reviewed regularly for currency and relevance with new resources added as appropriate. Preliminary tool kit resources include: