AACN Domains & Concepts

AACN Essentials: Domains & Concepts is an educational resource from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing that outlines the core competency domains and professional concepts that guide modern nursing education and practice. The resource is part of the AACN Essentials framework and includes information related to areas such as person-centered care, population health, quality and safety, interprofessional partnerships, professionalism, leadership development, evidence-based practice, health policy, communication, and clinical judgment. It also provides progression indicators and teaching resources connected to competency-based nursing education.

Who should use this resource:
Nursing students, nursing faculty, and students interested in understanding the professional competencies and expectations associated with contemporary nursing practice and education. This resource is especially useful for students who want to better understand the skills, behaviors, and knowledge areas emphasized throughout nursing programs and clinical preparation.

Why it’s helpful:
The AACN Essentials framework helps students connect classroom learning, clinical experiences, and professional development to the broader competencies expected in nursing practice. Reviewing the domains and concepts can help students better understand how nursing education prepares them for patient care, leadership, communication, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. It can also help students identify and articulate transferable skills within resumes, cover letters, applications, interviews, and personal statements, making their application materials more meaningful and relevant to nursing employers and academic programs.

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