When entry-level nurses graduate from school and enter the profession, they are required to have a foundation of knowledge, skill and judgment. This foundation is based on a set of entry-level competencies that we establish to ensure that nurses are able to provide safe care at any stage in their career.
The entry-level competencies are used primarily to shape nursing education programs by ensuring the program prepare graduates to have the entry-level competencies required. We also verify that nursing education programs are aligned with the competencies through our education approval process.
Each nursing designation (LPN, RN, NP) has entry-level competencies that align with each designation’s distinct education, standards and scope of practice:
- Entry-Level Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses
- Entry-Level Competencies for Registered Nurses
- Entry-Level Competencies for Nurse Practitioners
In addition, RN Prescribers have additional competencies:
Entry-Level Competencies for Licensed Practical Nurses
All LPNs are accountable to possess the entry-level competencies. This means:
- Demonstrate professional practice
- Demonstrate ethical practice
- Demonstrate legal practice
- Demonstrate the foundations of practice
- Engage in collaborative practice
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Entry-Level Competencies for Registered Nurses
All RNs are accountable to possess the entry-level competencies. There are a total of 101 competencies grouped under 9 roles-based headings. Those roles include:
- Clinician
- Professional
- Communicator
- Collaborator
- Coordinator
- Leader
- Advocate
- Educator
- Scholar
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RN Prescriber Competencies
RN Prescribers are accountable to possess the necessary competencies. The competencies grouped under 8 roles-based headings.
Open the RN Prescriber Competencies RNs
Entry-Level Competencies for Nurse Practitioners
All NPs are accountable to possess the entry-level competencies. This means:
- Demonstrating leadership
- Having a commitment to client care
- Integrating formal and informal education into practice
- Using evidence-informed practice, seeking to optimize client care and participating in research