Core Competencies

Nurse practitioners, nurse educators and nurse administrators are all advanced practice registered nurses by simple definition. What separates, yet defines and merges each of these complex roles is a set of core competencies essential for practice. While each role may differ in the practical sense, the similarities of the stated core competencies by each professional organization will become more clear and concise. The initial difference identified by most is clinical advanced roles versus non-clinical advanced roles. Non-clinical advanced practice nurses would be a nurse educator or nurse administrator. These are positions held by those who have a masters level education or more, and work in positions of education and leadership without direct clinical patient care. It is important to understand the role of each of these advanced nurse practice roles before discussing the core competencies required of each of these professions. Nurse educators are persons responsible for training and developing the skills of other licensed or registered nurses. Nurse educators function in roles as faculty for nursing schools or in large institutions specializing in nursing education and curriculum. The duties of
Though one can identify that engaging in the education of other nurses and facilitating learning by providing the proper environment and opportunities, it is also important to participate in the advancement of the career of nursing and engage in scholarly endeavors that promote the prestige of