Entry-Level Competencies

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:

In addition, RN Prescribers have additional competencies:

RN Prescriber 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

Open the Entry-Level Competencies for LPNs

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

Open the Entry-Level Competencies for RNs

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. There are a total of 29 competencies grouped thematically under five roles:

Clinician
Leader
Advocate
Educator
Scholar