Competence and Competency In the Nursing Professional Role
ANA Position Statement
Revised: December 11, 2025
Summary
The public expects nurses to demonstrate professional competence throughout their careers. The American Nurses Association (ANA) acknowledges that nurses are individually responsible andaccountable for maintaining professional role competence. ANA further affirms the nursing profession must shape and guide the assurance of competence while integrating current best practices and continuing professional development. To safeguard the public, nursing regulatory bodies in the United States (U.S.), including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, define minimum practice standards, grant licensure, oversee compliance with applicable laws, and intervene in cases of unsafe nursing practice. Employers are essential partners in fostering supportive work environments that nurture and sustain nurses’ competence and professional practice. Assurance of competence is a shared responsibility by the profession, individual nurses, regulatory bodies, employers, accrediting bodies, academic institutions, certifying entities, professional organizations, and other key stakeholders who collectively cultivate conditions that empower growth, advance excellence, and strengthen the delivery of healthcare.
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