If we want to improve nursing quality and effectiveness, it is important to have a consensus on competencies for the generalist nurse. The international council of nursing, ICN, published the ”competencies for the generalist nurse” in 2001. The purpose of this article is to introduce the development process for ICN's and Taiwan's competencies for the generalist nurse, and to compare the differences. In comparing these two competencies, we have suggested some strategies for competencies with high importance but low feasibility for the generalist nurse. We have also provided important implications for content of education, recruitment of new staff, and implementation of license examinations.