Part 3: Are Concepts the New Curriculum Threads?

For years, nursing curricula used “threads” such as communication, leadership, ethics, safety, and evidence-based practice to connect learning across courses and clinical experiences. With the AACN Essentials (2021), many programs are now asking:

Are the AACN Essentials concepts the new curriculum threads? In many ways, YES.

The AACN Essentials identify eight foundational concepts:

1. Clinical Judgment

2. Communication

3. Compassionate Care

4. Access, Connection and Engagement (ACEs)

5. Ethics

6. Evidence-Based Practice

7. Health Policy

8. Social Determinants of Health

These concepts are not meant to exist in isolated courses. Instead, they should appear repeatedly across the curriculum, helping students build competency over time through increasing complexity and application.

The challenge for faculty is moving beyond simply asking, “Where is this taught?” Instead, programs should ask:

• How does this concept progress across semesters?

• What level of competency is expected?

• How do students demonstrate growth?

• How is the concept reinforced in clinical practice?

Tune in for the next in our The Essential Series to find out how these eight AACN foundational concepts can serve as organizing anchors throughout curriculum!

Next in The Essential Series: Part 4: Anchors Away! Organizing AACN Foundational Concepts Throughout Curriculum