AACN Competence Framework for Progressive and Critical Care: Initial Competency 2022

"AACN Competence Framework for Progressive and Critical Care: Initial Competency 2022" establishes the standard for ICU and PCU entry-level nurse competency. This comprehensive approach defines broad competencies based on the Synergy Model for Patient Care, complemented by the core knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) that AACN deems essential during orientation.

Once a preceptor validates this combined set of competencies for a nurse new to an ICU or PCU practice area, managers can confidently determine that the nurse is ready to transition from orientation to more independent patient assignments.

An accompanying toolkit is available for purchase. The toolkit includes documentation tools for preceptors to track orientees' progress and identify when the eight synergy nurse competencies (SNCs) with behavioral performance outcomes are met, as well as the core KSA lists for ICU, PCU and PICU. The toolkit also has a variety of materials to facilitate the successful teaching of this approach to preceptors.