Keywords

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader, nursing education, nursing practice, patient safety, quality care

 

Authors

  1. Bartels, Jean E. PhD, RN
  2. Bednash, Geraldine PhD, RN, FAAN

Abstract

Current discussion on the need to dramatically change nursing education and practice is based on clear concerns about the changing nature of healthcare. The increasingly complex healthcare system of our nation provides sophisticated interventions yet concerns about quality persist. A new model of education and practice is proposed and this model is being implemented through a groundbreaking partnership to prepare a master's educated, entry-level, generalist nursing clinician to lead and guide care at the point of care. The competencies associated with this new clinician are discussed and future implications for evaluation and monitoring are shared.