Innovating to meet AACN essentials in a bachelor of science in nursing program

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) released

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise the BSN curriculum to align with the new AACN Essentials.
• To incorporate contemporary nursing education demands and enhance student learning experiences.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum revision incorporating AACN Essentials Level One.
• Integration of Generation Z learning preferences with increased electives.
• Inclusion of professional role courses (wellness, resiliency), palliative care, and symptom management.
• Expansion of clinical hours with virtual simulation and community/public health experiences.
• Development of a revised Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET) for competency-based assessment.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive BSN curriculum revision was completed.
• Enhanced student learning opportunities through diverse clinical and elective experiences.
• A new competency-based Clinical Evaluation Tool (CET) was developed.

Conclusions:

• The revised BSN curriculum effectively integrates the AACN Essentials.
• The updated curriculum prepares nursing students for contemporary practice through innovative educational strategies.
• The new CET supports competency-based evaluation aligned with program outcomes.