Expanding Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies Across the Academic-Practice Transition: A Pilot Study

Background: A regional state university and three health care organizations formed a regional education-service partnership to expand the implementation of the Massachusetts Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies (NOFNCC) across the academic-practice transition. Method: Using a convenience sample in a one-group pretest-posttest design, the study examined the extent to which transitioning new licensed nurses and their preceptors were knowledgeable regarding NOFNCC as a basis for practice, and assessed changes following an educational intervention. A newly developed instrument based on NOFNCC, the Nurse Competency Assessment Tool (NCAT), served as the measurement tool. Results: Findings indicate knowledge gaps in system-based practice, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice among both transitioning newly licensed nurses and preceptor groups in need of improvement. Conclusion: NOFNCC identify essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills integral to providing safe quality nursing care not only in Massachusetts but also nationally and globally. Need for continued refinement of the NCAT was also apparent.