Competency for nursing practice

• This article discusses the report of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC) Commission that was published in 1999.• Problems identified with the previous Project 2000 model of diploma‐level nursing programmes are identified, including student criticisms of placement arrangements and the existence of both theory–practice and practice–theory gaps.• The UKCC Commission’s recommendations for curricular revision are discussed, particularly in relation to clinical competence and how this should be defined and measured.• The implications for who should supervise and assess students in clinical practice are also explored.• The importance of preparing and assessing students for holistic individualized care which respects patients’ own beliefs, values and culture is emphasized.