Mind the gap: Bridging leadership skill development in entry-level professional nursing through competency-based...

Competencies are observable and measurable behaviors cultivated across a nursing program. Building on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) essentials and competency-based education (CBE), leadership training must be integrated into entry level professional nursing education to meet practice demands and prepare nurses to lead from the start. Many nurses enter leadership roles without formal education, highlighting the urgent need for structured leadership development. The American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) offers a strong framework for developing these competencies. Leadership education is essential, not just for clinical proficiency, but for empowering nurses to lead change within healthcare systems and communities. Nurses must graduate with the ability to communicate clearly, think critically, and manage time effectively. This article reviews current evidence on entry level leadership education and explores how AACN competencies align with the AONL framework. Strategies for embedding leadership skills into nursing education and early practice are delineated to ensure a smooth transition into the first year of clinical practice with essential leadership capabilities. Integrating leadership training into simulations and coursework can transform nursing education and outcomes, equipping early-career nurses to serve as capable leaders and mentors. This shift has broad implications for healthcare institutions and policymakers alike.