Authors

  1. Corrigan, Catherine DNP, FNP, RN
  2. Moran, Katherine DNP, RN, CDCES, FADCES, FNAP
  3. Kesten, Karen DNP, APRN, CCNS, CNE, FAAN
  4. Conrad, Dianne DNP, RN, FNP-BC, FNAP
  5. Manderscheid, Amy DNP, RN, AGPCNP-BC, AGNP-C, CMSRN
  6. Beebe, Sarah L. MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC, CHSE
  7. Pohl, Elizabeth DNP, RN, AGNP-C

Abstract

Background: Competency attainment is foremost in the ethos of this project that provides a practical guide to implementing entrustable professional activities (EPAs) as one approach to competency acquisition in the clinical education component of a health care program. EPAs are units of work that provide evidence of required competencies for the clinical education component of a program of study for educators, preceptors, and students.

 

Problem: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has raised the importance of competency-based education and need for a practical approach to assess clinical competency challenges (eg, EPAs) in nursing education.

 

Approach: The implementation of EPAs in the clinical component of advanced nursing education is detailed as an example in this article. Prioritizing a systematic approach, the Knowledge to Action framework, was chosen to guide the process.

 

Conclusion: Nursing must act now to put in place a robust competency acquisition and validation system.