What are core competencies in nursing?

Core competencies in nursing refer to the essential skills and knowledge that all nurses must possess to provide safe, effective, and high-quality care to patients. These competencies serve as the foundational attributes that enable nurses to perform their duties across various settings and specialties. They include critical thinking, communication skills, ethical reasoning, and clinical judgment, among other important nursing capabilities.

Having a solid grasp of these core competencies ensures that nurses can deliver comprehensive care, collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals, and respond adeptly to the diverse needs of patients. Mastery of these competencies is crucial regardless of a nurse’s specific area of practice, reinforcing the standard of care expected within the profession.

In contrast, the other options highlight attributes that may pertain to specific contexts or advanced roles but do not encompass the broad and foundational skills that define nursing practice as a whole.