Program Competencies

Students who have successfully completed the Bellevue College ADN program will demonstrate the following area competencies:

I. Professional Behaviors

Professional behaviors within nursing practice are characterized by a commitment to the profession of nursing. The student adheres to standards of professional practice, is accountable for her/his own actions and behaviors, and practices nursing within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks.*

II. Communication

Communication in nursing is an interactive process between the nurse and client that assists the client to cope with change, develop more satisfying interpersonal relationships, and integrate new knowledge and skills. It may be verbal, nonverbal, and/or written.*

III. Nursing Process

• Assessment
  Comprehensive assessment provides a holistic view of the client which includes dimensions of physical, developmental, emotional, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual, and functional status. Assessment involves the orderly collection of information from multiple sources to establish a foundation for provision of nursing care, and includes identification of available resources to meet client needs. Initial assessment provides a baseline for future comparisons that can be made in order to individualize client care. Ongoing assessment is required to meet the client’s changing needs.*
• Clinical Decision Making
  Effective clinical decision making results in finding solutions, individualizing care, and assuring the delivery of accurate, safe care that moves the client and support person(s) toward positive outcomes. Evidence based practice and the use of critical thinking provide the foundation for appropriate clinical decision making.*
• Caring Interventions
  Caring interventions are those nursing actions that assist clients in meeting their needs. Caring behaviors are nurturing, compassionate, and person-centered. Caring creates an environment of hope and trust, where client choices related to cultural values, beliefs, and lifestyle are respected.*
• Teaching and Learning
  Teaching encompasses the provision of health education to promote and facilitate informed decision making, achieve positive outcomes, and support self-care activities.* 

IV. Collaboration

Collaboration is the shared planning, decision making, problem solving, goal setting, and assumption of responsibility by those who work together cooperatively, with open professional communication.*

V.  Managing Care

Managing care is the efficient, effective use of human, physical, financial, and technological resources to meet client needs.*

*The categories used for the clinical competencies have been adapted from the following:
Coxwell, G. & H. Gillerman (Eds). (2000). Educational Competencies for graduate of associate degree nursing program: Council of associate degree nursing competencies task force. Sudbury MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.