Comparison of core competencies for professional nurses and nurse educators There are many nursing specialties that are encompassed in core competencies to provide a framework for competent practice. Once these key skills have been developed, their implementation begins with confidence and a clear understanding of the expectations within the role. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the key competencies outlined by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties for a nurse practitioner (NP) and the National League of Nursing (NLN) for the nurse educator (NE). I will start with the core competencies of the NP. There are nine key competencies for the NP presented by (National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties [NONPF], 2014) which are as follows (a) science-based competencies, (b) leadership competencies, (c) quality competencies, ( d) practical inquiry skills, (e) technological and information literacy skills, (f) political skills, (g) healthcare delivery system skills, (h) ethical skills, and (i) independence skills. These core competencies are essential for the NP to demonstrate upon graduation. A better understanding of these skills will be provided with a brief explanation of each. Science Foundation Competencies require the NP to understand critical data, translate research and other forms of evidence to improve advanced nursing practice. The NP must integrate research, theory, and knowledge to improve practice processes and outcomes. Leadership competencies are exemplified by the NP's ability to demonstrate leadership using critical and reflective thinking. Effective oral and written communication is required. He or she participates in... the center of the card... things that impact people. NPs and NEs are encouraged to join professional organizations for professional development, and each role is required to engage in process analysis and evaluation to promote better outcomes. One difference between the skills of the NP versus those of the NE is that NPs must work independently within an organization with the goal of developing optimal outcomes in patient care and the manner in which care is delivered . NE core competencies are developing people to perform optimally in their context. Another clear difference shown by NE skills is the main focus of learning. The NE core competencies are unique in this sense because they provide the foundation of learning for all nurses at all levels. It is reasonable to assume that without the implementation of NE core competencies there would be no NP.