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The purpose of this presentation is to describe how integration of a competency model supports an evidence based practice environment through professional development of nurses in an acute care setting. Competency assessment and development is an ongoing process that starts from the point of hire and continues throughout the tenure of a nurse's employment. The Queen's Medical Center has adapted the competency model developed by Dorothy del Bueno which consists of three domains - Technical, Critical Thinking, and Interpersonal. Upon hire, all new staff are assessed for core competencies in these three domains in addition to competencies within their clinical specialties. On an ongoing basis, continuing education and competency development occurs based on needs identified through an integrated and complex process. The assessment process includes: (1) identification of new and emerging knowledge and technology, (2) self assessment of knowledge gaps in specialty areas, (3) practice trends that emerge through the sentinel event and root cause analysis process, and (4) continuous updating and revision of policies and procedures based on the latest evidence. Examples of how levels of evidence are utilized to support each of these identified needs will be presented. Strategies found to be effective in staff development and challenges of supporting professional development of inter-generational nurses with diverse educational preparation in a complex, rapidly evolving acute care environment include such initiatives as specialty training, new graduate orientation, preceptor programs, certification preparation, Front-Line Leadership Academy, and collaborative conferences.