Competencies Expected of the Associate Degree Nurse
The Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) graduate is prepared and expected to practice within
the framework of the Educational Competencies for Graduates of Associate Degree Nursing
Programs as identified by the National League of Nursing (NLN) Council of Associate
Degree Nursing Competencies Task Force in 2000. As identified by the Task Force,
ADN graduates practice within the framework of eight core components and competencies.
The core competencies of nursing practice are:
- Professional Behaviors,
- Communication,
- Assessment,
- Clinical Decision Making,
- Caring Interventions,
- Teaching and Learning,
- Collaboration, and
- Managing Care
These core components emphasize competencies related to diversity in healthcare, clinical decision making, assessment, patient education, continuity of care (including community aspects), collaboration and leadership.
The Associate Degree Nurse graduate utilizes critical thinking and judgment and demonstrates clinical competence and accountability as a generalist nurse who is committed to caring for others and valuing the profession of nursing.
The Associate Degree Nurse graduate is an entry level practitioner and is competent to practice as a direct caregiver in a variety of health care settings which include diverse patient populations. ADN graduates are employed in a health care delivery system that continues to grow and change.
It is the value and philosophy of the Cerritos College Nursing Program that ADN graduates have a spirit of inquiry and for lifelong learning and pursue a bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in preparation for advanced levels of practice.
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