Core Competencies
(Desired Characteristics)
The 8 Core Competencies were established to reflect the Auburn University and Auburn University School of Nursing mission and vision and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Baccalaureate Essentials.
Prior Healthcare Related and/or Military Experience
Definition: Prior Healthcare Related Experience and/or Military experience: May include paid and unpaid work in a health or health-related field where you have patient interaction and/or actively involved in military including ROTC programs. Provide information about the length of time you spent in the experience, the types of experiences, and the patients and healthcare providers with whom you interacted.
​
We are looking for consistent patient care experience. A week shadowing or a summer internship will not likely meet the requirements to gain points in this area.
​
** Shadowing Hours will not be counted**
​
Scored: Application
​
Ways to Improve Score:
- Keep track of any quality health-care related experience. Write a brief description of activities covered, the facility, and dates of experience.
- Internships
- Externships
- HOSA Clinical Hours
- CNA Experience
- Job working in healthcare facility
Academic Attainment
Definition: Being academically prepared for the rigor of nursing school; demonstrates academic excellence in foundational science courses; completed courses that predict success in nursing school completion; shows excellence in study skills, time-management, and test-preparation.
​
Scored: Academic Transcripts
​
Ways to Improve Score:
-
Do better academically. Auburn has great academic resources for free! Use the link below to discover these resources or speak with your academic advisor.
​
https://academicsupport.auburn.edu/
​
Here are a few examples:
​
​
​
Resilience
Definition: Possessing the capacity to recover from challenges
​
Scored: Essay
​
Ways to Improve Score:
-
Self-Reflection: Make a list of times where you have had to tolerate a stressful situation and recover.
-
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-flux/201810/9-ways-strengthen-your-resilience
Dedication
Definition: Devoted and loyal to the nursing profession; goal-oriented and willing to go the extra mile when striving to achieve a goal
​
Scored: Essay & Traditional Interview
​
Ways to Improve Score:
-
Huffington Post: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/do-you-know-your-why_b_8133104
-
Volunteer in healthcare related settings- hospitals, senior centers, get first hand experiences of patient care
-
Explore specialties: Apply for internships with hospitals that host these types of program
-
Join Student Organizations- Connect with other nursing students through organizations
​
​
​
Empathy
Definition: Understanding that everyone has their own perspective; ability to acknowledge the feelings of another in a respectful and non-judgmental manner
​
​
Scored: Traditional Interview
​
Ways to Improve Score:
-
List ways in which you have had to acknowledge feelings of others in a respectful manner.
-
NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-be-more-empathetic
-
Join organizations- connect with people who share different interests or hobbies
-
Volunteer in the community- working with people from various backgrounds fosters understanding and compassion
Leadership Through Service
Definition: Feeling compelled to lead because of a belief in something larger than oneself; encouraging others to move in a direction that is best for them; having the ability to understand the impact of actions and help navigate a better course; sensitive to others needs and feelings; recognizes responsibility beyond tasks; recognizing that you have the ability to change the narrative of others
​
Scored: Traditional Interview & Application Submission
​
Ways to Improve Score:
-
Self-Reflection- Take time to reflect on your experiences in this area and how you have impacted others.
-
Get involved- Work as a team to collaborate on projects
-
Community Service- Participate in volunteer activites that benefit the community.
​
​
Professional Values
Definition: Embracing all characteristics of a nurse including accountability, integrity, honesty, respect for others, trust, caring, and compassion.
​
Scored: Traditional Interview
​
Ways to Improve Score:
-
Self- Reflection: List ways in which you have exemplified the professional values listed
-
Identify your core values- reflect on what is important to you as a nurse.
-
Work a part-time job or complete an internship- Gain practical experience, test your skills, and learn from professionals.
-
Attend workshops- Stay up-to-date in healthcare related topics.
Innovative Thinking
Definition: Being able to go beyond the obvious to create a new way to problem-solve; ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasonable judgment
​
Scored: Situational Interview
​
Ways to Improve Score:
-
When solving a problem you want to be able to use critical thinking skills.
-
Explore other points of view and be creative in finding solutions.
Collaboration
Definition: Working toward a shared vision while respecting others ideas and opinions; the environment is one where all are welcome and all matter​
​
Scored: Situational Interview
​
Ways to Improve Score:
-
Get involved in campus and in your community where you have to work with others toward a common goal.
Resources:
-
6 Collaboration Skills: https://blog.jostle.me/blog/6-collaboration-skills-and-how-to-foster-them
Oral Communication
Definition: Listening to others effectively; possessing confidence; ability to build rapport and display genuine curiosity; appropriate balance between listening and speaking
Scored: Traditional Interview
​
Ways to Improve Score:
-
The more familiar interviewing feels, the less anxiety you will feel Bout the process. Take advantage of online resources available from the University Career Center. The University Career Center also offer resources to improve communication like eye-contact.
-
Participating in mock interviews will help you become more aware of your interactions with others while in a group interview setting
Capacity for Improvement
Definition: Ability to self-reflect and make adjustments in order to improve; being receptive and responsive to feedback; continually setting goals for self-improvement
​
Scored: Situational Interview
​
Ways to Improve Score:
​
Keith Webb’s 3 Ways to Self-Reflect:
Reflect on your experience. Think about what you did, thought, and felt at the time.
• What did I experience during the conversation?
• What happened inside me during the conversation?
Reflect on your learning. Analyze your experience and compare to the models or principles that you want to follow.
• What does this experience say to me?
• What can I learn?
Apply to your practice. Apply your learning to your practice. Consider what options you have for the next time you face a similar situation.
• What options do I see for the next time I encounter this situation?
• What specifically do I intend to do based on my reflection?
​