Differentiated competencies for nursing practice. American Organization of Nurse Executives

Rather than continue to focus on the location of nursing practice, nursing must crystallize the competencies of practice at differing levels. In today's era of reform, nurses must be prepared to care for patients both across the continuum of care (i.e., throughout the life-span and with a seamless continuity (i.e., within the multiple healthcare delivery settings of networks). The work of the joint AACN-AONE task force will help clarify who is best prepared to work where and with what types of patients. It also will facilitate practical use of the nursing education system to prepare appropriate numbers and types of nursing caregivers.