Activating the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials Through Competency-Based Leadership in Graduate Student Organizations

Abstract

Background: As nursing programs across the nation shift toward a competency-based education model, academic institutions are working to quantify student learning outcomes based on the new American Association of Colleges of Nursing ( AACN, 2021 ) Essentials, domains, competencies, and sub-competencies. Method: Leveraging AACN Essentials, faculty and graduate nursing students engage in student organizations with the focus of Population Health, Professionalism, and Personal, Professional and Leadership Development ( AACN, 2021 ). Results: Graduate student members are involved in practicum activities throughout the course of their education. Through collaboration with faculty, the student body, and other community partners, student leaders integrate experiences applicable to professional roles outside of academia ( AACN, 2021 ). As a result, students gain skills in leadership and communication, while also gaining confidence and professional identity formation. Conclusion: Other academic institutions may replicate this approach in promoting competency-based education, experiences and development in alignment with the AACN Essentials. [ J Nurs Educ . 2023;62(10):580–583.]