Abstract
Background: Reconceptualized nursing education can prepare registered nurses to practice at the full scope of licensure on interprofessional teams across care continua while enhancing the quality of health care systems.
Problem: Traditional nursing programs minimally address primary care competencies. Rapidly changing managed care models demand nurses develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively deliver population health, primary care, care coordination, and disease prevention/management services across care continua.
Approach: A faculty team built an innovative concept and competency-based accelerated bachelor of science in nursing primary care-focused curriculum integrating behavioral health, aesthetic knowing, and technology.
Outcomes: The curriculum was implemented twice, with the third cohort mid-program. Program evaluation is ongoing.
Conclusion: A paradigm shift in nursing education may improve population-based biobehavioral wellness, disease prevention, and chronic disease management. Future research should focus on how this innovative curricular approach builds essential nursing competencies and enhances digital fluency, observation, communication, empathy, and critical thinking skills.