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Published on: June 21, 2010
Charting a Path From the Graduate QSEN Competencies to the New Essentials
Deana Hays1, Brittany Hay, Barb Tassell
1Author Affiliations: School of Nursing, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan (Dr Hays); College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (Dr Hay); Lourdes University College of Nursing, Sylvania, Ohio (Dr Tassell); Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus Ohio (Dr Zellefrow); and Sacred Heart University, Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing, Fairfield, Connecticut (Dr Milner).
The 2009 Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) graduate competencies align with the 2021 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials. A notable shift towards entry-level competencies indicates evolving practice expectations for nursing education.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Curriculum Development
- Competency-Based Education
Background:
- Graduate nursing programs were advised to align curricula with Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) graduate competencies.
- The QSEN initiative focuses on essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) for safe and effective nursing practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the alignment between the 2009 QSEN graduate KSA competencies and the 2021 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials advanced-level subcompetencies.
- To support the transition to competency-based education and the AACN Essentials in graduate nursing programs.
Main Methods:
- A consensus-based review process was conducted by five nursing education experts.
- The experts systematically compared the 2009 QSEN graduate KSA statements with the 2021 AACN advanced-level subcompetencies.
Main Results:
- A crosswalk tool revealed that 34% of QSEN graduate KSA statements align with AACN advanced-level subcompetencies.
- Additionally, 36% of QSEN graduate KSA statements align with AACN entry-level subcompetencies.
Conclusions:
- The 2009 QSEN graduate competencies are integrated within the 2021 AACN Essentials at both entry and advanced levels.
- A significant trend towards entry-level alignment suggests evolving expectations for contemporary nursing practice.
- This alignment necessitates curriculum and assessment revisions for graduate nursing faculty to meet new professional standards.
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