A second generation of the competency-based approach to nursing education

This article describes the renewal of a baccalaureate program in nursing. This new program was developed to respond to new challenges presented to the profession. A completely new approach was adopted, the competency-based approach (CBA), with a constructivist, holistic foundation that we named 'second generation CBA.' The CBA theoretical underpinnings are presented, as well as the structure and the content of the program with a special focus on the teaching and learning strategies. A course on health illustrates the approach. Although no rigorous evaluation has been held, comments from students and teachers were collected during the implementation process. Assessment of students' competency levels remains an important issue.