Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Practical/Vocational,
Diploma, Associate Degree, Baccalaureate, Master's. Practice Doctorate,
and Research Doctorate Programs in Nursing, is a first-of-its-kind
report by the NLN Education Competency Work Group, which collaborated
over a two-year period to evaluate how best to prepare graduates of
nursing programs across the academic spectrum to function in an
evolving, dynamic health care environment. This document lays the
foundation for ensuring that all United States nursing programs can
expand and develop while maintaining the highest standards of quality
and excellence.
Nurse educators examined program outcomes and competencies across all
types of programs -- rather than looking at each program type in
isolation from others, as has been the case. Such a wide-ranging,
inclusive approach serves to clarify concepts that cut across all
program types while clarifying the unique focus of each program type in
relation to each concept. The group from education and practice,
therefore, reviewed existing literature, work previously completed by
NLN advisory councils and task groups, and emerging national concerns
and initiatives to formulate outcomes and competencies. They vetted
these with the nursing education community and finalized a set of
outcomes and competencies that address all program types. The result is
a comprehensive document that is both contemporary and futuristic and
fills a gap in the existing body of scholarly research. It helps nurse
educators to build curricula, further the science of nursing education,
and expore and refine teaching, learning and evaluation.
