Hallmarks of the professional nursing practice environment.

THE AMERICAN Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for university and 4-year college education programs in nursing. Representing more than 560 member schools of nursing at public and private institutions nationwide, AACN's educational, research, governmental advocacy, data collection, publications, and other programs work to establish quality standards for bachelor's-degree and graduate-degree nursing education, assist deans and directors to implement those standards, influence the nursing profession to improve health care, and promote public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and practice. Task forces are appointed by the AACN Board of Directors as issues arise that require study and action. This white paper was prepared by the AACN Task Force on Hallmarks of the Professional Practice Setting.