By Daniel Casciato
In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, nursing education plays a pivotal role in preparing professionals to meet the complex demands of patient care. Dr. Joy Longo, Associate Dean of Academic Programs at Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, highlights how competency-based education (CBE) is shaping the future of nursing.
What is Competency-Based Education?
“Competency-based education is student-focused,” Dr. Longo explains. “It requires students to demonstrate knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors around specific competencies.”
Melissa Durbin, MSN, RN, NEA, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer Administration Boca Raton Regional Hospital (BRRH) and a member of the Advisory Board of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, stressed the importance and value of competency-based education to prepare students for the workforce.
“At BRRH, competency-based education is mandatory for all levels of nurses, not just for nursing students and new graduates,” she says. “Each unit in our hospital is privileged to have a dedicated Clinical Nurse Educator. These educators combine competency-based education and didactic training to ensure our nurses deliver the most up-to-date, evidence-based care to our patients. Competency-based education continues well beyond nursing school graduation.”
For nursing students, this involves mastering essential competencies determined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The AACN has defined ten core competencies for nurses, tailored to different educational levels—entry-level for registered nurses and advanced practice for graduate students. These competencies aim to prepare students for the realities of healthcare practice.
Unlike traditional nursing programs that are credit-hour based, CBE focuses on students proving their mastery of these competencies. “Students move forward by demonstrating competencies through instruction and remediation,” says Dr. Longo. Although many nursing schools won’t fully abandon conventional grading and coursework, integrating competency-based principles is expected to enhance the educational experience.
Addressing Critical Healthcare Challenges
CBE is particularly relevant in addressing two critical issues: the nursing shortage and the need for improved patient outcomes.
“We want nurses to come out of school ready for practice, with the competencies required to deliver quality care,” Dr. Longo states. Beyond technical skills, CBE emphasizes critical thinking, which equips nurses to make sound decisions in complex and dynamic clinical environments.
Traditionally, competency in nursing was associated with performing specific tasks, such as IV insertions or wound care. However, CBE expands the definition to include the knowledge, persona, and decision-making processes behind those skills. “It’s not just about checking off a skill,” Dr. Longo emphasizes. “It’s about demonstrating readiness for practice holistically.”
Shifting from Traditional Education
The transition to competency-based education began in earnest in 2021 when the AACN introduced its new Essentials framework. While many nursing schools are still developing their CBE curricula, the goal is to ensure students are well-prepared to meet the demands of diverse healthcare settings.
CBE also transforms classroom learning. Traditional lectures are giving way to active, problem-solving approaches. For instance, students learn from case scenarios that align with real-world patient situations that encompass not just the medical aspects of care, such as lab values and treatments, but also the social and personal aspects.
“This focus on critical thinking prepares students to adapt to varied and individualized patient needs,” Dr. Longo explains. By emphasizing competencies like person-centered care, students learn to approach patients as individuals whose care requirements are shaped by their unique circumstances, families, and resources.
Preparing Leaders and Thinkers
Leadership and adaptability are integral to CBE. Leadership, a key competency, involves more than managing nurses—it encompasses understanding organizational systems, driving improvements, and navigating complex healthcare environments.
“We ensure students are not only clinically proficient but also prepared to lead and work effectively within healthcare systems,” Dr. Longo explains. This comprehensive preparation extends to fostering critical thinking in students, enabling them to approach problems with confidence and creativity.
Leveraging Technology for CBE
Technology is vital in implementing CBE at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Simulation labs with state-of-the-art technology allow students to practice and demonstrate competencies in a controlled environment.
“Simulation allows students to engage in scenarios that mirror real patient care situations,” says Dr. Longo. The college has recently updated simulation labs on its Davie and Boca Raton campuses, further enhancing students’ access to advanced tools that support their education.
Improving Retention in Nursing
One of the indirect benefits of CBE is its potential to address nursing turnover. Many new nurses leave the profession within their first two years, often due to inadequate preparation for practice challenges.
“If we prepare students for real-world situations, they’ll feel more confident and satisfied in their roles,” Dr. Longo notes. By equipping nurses with the skills and resilience to navigate the complexities of healthcare, CBE aims to improve retention rates and build a more stable nursing workforce.
The Future of Nursing Education
As nursing schools continue their journey toward implementing CBE, the focus remains on improving patient outcomes. By emphasizing holistic preparation—critical thinking, leadership, and adaptability—CBE ensures that nursing graduates are ready to deliver high-quality care in today’s diverse and demanding healthcare settings.
Dr. Longo’s insights highlight how competency-based education is not just an educational shift but a transformative approach to building a skilled, resilient nursing workforce prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.
For more information, visit www.fau.edu/nursing.
