After the Gap Analysis: Education and Practice Changes to Prepare Nurses of the Future.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to describe the Connecticut Nursing Collaborative-Action Coalition's work in identifying and addressing gaps between nursing education and practice based on the Institute of Medicine's Future of Nursing report.

Background: Massachusetts Nurse of the Future (NOF) Competencies highlight the knowledge, skills, and attitudes/behaviors required for professional nurses. Integrating these concepts into the educational system will prepare the nursing workforce to respond to current/future health care needs and population health issues.

Methods: Education and practice partners in four regions conducted a gap analysis of the education to practice transition for new graduate nurses using NOF as a framework for assessment.

Results: Gaps in competencies were similar across regions. However, each organization uniquely addressed curricular gaps to best prepare nurses of the future.

Conclusions: Curriculum improvements will provide students the advantage of being prepared for the rapid changes happening in health care.