National ACC Education Tools

Step Competency Framework

CC3N have for many years has been driving work to underpin critical care nurse education. It recognised that to be able to deliver high quality care to patients, staff need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills that allow them to perform at the highest level and this should be standardised across all critical care units.

CC3N in collaboration with other professional critical care nursing organisations and staff from Higher Education Institutes across the UK have developed the Steps Framework for Adult Critical Care Nurses.
Step 1 Competencies have been designed to provide staff with the core skills required to care for a critically ill patient safely, whilst under supervision. It is expected that Step 1 competencies will be completed prior to commencing an academic critical care programme.
Competencies are statements describing behaviours that nurses believe are important for providing safe, effective and ethical care"

Steps 2 & 3 Competencies have been designed to further develop your essential critical care skills and will require enhanced theoretical knowledge to underpin your practice. It is anticipated that Steps 2 & 3 competencies will be undertaken whilst undertaking an academic critical care programme.

Step 4 Competencies have been designed to provide staff with the core skills required to take charge in a critical care unit; building management and leadership capability into your professional development, to demonstrate safe and effective coordination and prioritisation of unit workload, workforce and resources.

To download any of the Steps Competency Documents please click on links below:
Please note that Steps 1,2,3 competency books are currently under review.
It is anticipated that Version 3 will be available from next year.