Aligning Nursing Education with AACN Essentials: Building a Framework for 21st-Century Nursing Practice

Abstract

Instructor’s Name Date Purpose of the Essentials Essentials provide a framework in which colleges align in providing professional nursing education and also enhance curriculum development. Essentials provide a uniform language that meets the standards of American institutions, accrediting bodies, and the state boards of nursing (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). They also provide relevant knowledge necessary for any trained healthcare professional. The Essentials strives to transform Baccalaureate nursing education by providing curriculum elements and framework that are relevant in the 21st century (Welch et al., 2022). AANC Essentials enhance professionalism in nursing practice and consistency across all degree levels before entering a new clinical role. The Essentials cuts across all nursing graduate and postgraduate programs including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Baccalaureate Generalist Nurses provide both direct and indirect care where they exist as patient advocates as well as educators. Patient-centered care is the hallmark of the nursing profession. In the changing nursing profession, baccalaureate generalist nurses focus on multidimensional aspects of research and science and technology providing cost-effective quality care. They are also the designers, managers, and coordinators of healthcare where they delegate and supervise personnel. These nurses have unique skills and vast knowledge that accommodates the changing nursing landscape. The AANC Essentials provides a framework for patient-centered care, evidence-based practice (EBP), nursing professionalism, diversity and culture framework, technology and innovation, critical thinking and decision-making, patient safety, and efficient service delivery in an agile and dynamic healthcare environment. Essentials teach ethics in baccalaureate nursing for instance leadership and professionalism, i.e., how to become a leader among nurses, the ethics of communicating with other health care providers on performance, and interaction skills. Overview of the Essentials. Essential I: Liberal Education for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice This essential describes liberal education as one that is diverse, with a wide knowledge base on culture, science, and society. Baccalaureate generalist nurses must be liberal, i.e., must demonstrate high levels of personal and social responsibility. Liberal arts and science are a foundation of professional nursing providing a rich knowledge base and a broad exposure to multiple disciplines. Essential II: Basic Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Care and Patient Safety Basic organization and system leadership enhance patient-centered care and nursing professionalism. Leadership skills are an essential part of nursing professionalism in decision-making, problem-solving, coordination and supervision, and maintaining effective working relationships (Jankelov & Joniaková, 2021). This essential is important in enhancing patient safety, and quality of care, and aligning their profession with the current cultural, economic, social, and political perspectives. Essential III: Scholarship for Evidence-Based Practice Evidence-based practice models are essential in integrating scientific information into practicality (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). Baccalaureate nurses are called to conduct research, evaluate the outcomes, and put them into practice considering...