Laura M Wagner1, Mary A Dolansky2, Robert Englander3. 1. University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing, San Francisco, CA. Electronic address: laura.wagner@ucsf.edu. 2. Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. 3. University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Further efforts are warranted to identify innovative approaches to best implement competencies in nursing education. To bridge the gap between competency-based education, practice, and implementation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, one emerging approach is entrustable professional activities (EPAs). PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to introduce the concept of EPAs as a framework for curriculum and assessment in graduate nursing education and training. METHODS: Seven steps are provided to develop EPAs for nurses through the example of a quality and safety EPA. The example incorporates the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) patient safety competencies and evidence-based literature. FINDINGS: EPAs provide a practical approach to integrating competencies in nursing as quality and safety are the cornerstones of nursing practice, education, and research. DISCUSSION: Introducing the EPA concept in nursing is timely as we look to identify opportunities to enhance nurse practitioner (NP) training models and implement nurse residency programs.
BACKGROUND: Further efforts are warranted to identify innovative approaches to best implement competencies in nursing education. To bridge the gap between competency-based education, practice, and implementation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, one emerging approach is entrustable professional activities (EPAs). PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to introduce the concept of EPAs as a framework for curriculum and assessment in graduate nursing education and training. METHODS: Seven steps are provided to develop EPAs for nurses through the example of a quality and safety EPA. The example incorporates the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) patient safety competencies and evidence-based literature. FINDINGS: EPAs provide a practical approach to integrating competencies in nursing as quality and safety are the cornerstones of nursing practice, education, and research. DISCUSSION: Introducing the EPA concept in nursing is timely as we look to identify opportunities to enhance nurse practitioner (NP) training models and implement nurse residency programs.