Developing Academic Institutions, Curricula and Course In Nursing education

Curricula and Course In Nursing education To address the need for diversity in nursing education and prepare a workforce that reflects the patient population, it is crucial for administrators, staff, and faculty to cultivate a culture of inclusivity at both the institutional and program levels. This involves developing academic programs that leverage the strengths of all community members, ensuring that recruitment, retention, and graduation efforts support a diverse student body.

Institutional Values and Inclusivity

A culture of inclusivity starts with clear institutional values that emphasize diversity. This includes:

• Diversity and Inclusivity Policies: Institutions should have explicit values supporting diversity and inclusivity, with practices that enhance the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, and students from underrepresented groups. Policies must strictly prohibit discrimination of any form.
• Strategic Approaches: Bleich et al. (2014) outline six strategies to foster an inclusive organization:
  1. Enhance the admissions process.
  2. Reduce the invisibility of underrepresented groups.
  3. Build supportive communities and balanced promotion structures.
  4. Eliminate exclusionary practices.
  5. Counteract tokenism.

Furthermore, institutions should have clear statements about their commitment to diversity, including specific policies and procedures addressing discrimination based on age, gender, race, disability, and other factors.

Academic Programs and Recruitment

Developing Inclusive Academic Programs

To establish an inclusive learning environment, nursing schools must:

• Assess Inclusivity: Evaluate the current support structures for inclusion and integrate them into academic programs.
• Support Diversity: Implement programs that aid in the recruitment, retention, and graduation of underrepresented students. A dedicated office of diversity and a diversity officer can enhance these efforts.

Recruitment Strategies

Active recruitment is essential for building a diverse student population. Effective strategies include:

• Early Engagement: Introduce nursing as a career choice at the grade school level through “shadow a nurse” activities or nursing clubs.
• Pipeline Programs: Create pathways from high school to nursing programs, including scholarships and preparatory programs. Brooks Carthon et al. (2014) highlight that mentorship and academic support significantly improve enrollment and graduation rates.

Holistic Admission Criteria

Admissions processes that consider a range of factors beyond test scores and GPAs can increase diversity. Holistic criteria, such as interviews and essays, help evaluate a student’s potential beyond academic achievements.

Retention and Graduation Preparation

Supporting Student Success

Once admitted, nursing schools should implement success programs to overcome barriers such as financial constraints, lack of family support, and inadequate preparation. Effective programs might include:

• Early Intervention: Identify at-risk students early and provide targeted support.
• Mentoring and Advising: Offer mentoring, academic advising, and skills development programs to ensure student success.

Transition to Practice

Preparing students for the transition from academia to professional practice involves:

• Preparation Courses: Offer licensing and certification exam preparation courses.
• Capstone and Internship Opportunities: Provide practical experiences to bridge the gap between education and employment.
• Residency Programs: Implement residency programs to facilitate smooth transitions into the workforce.

Curriculum and Course Design

Integrating Diversity into Curriculum

Incorporating diverse cultural content is essential throughout the nursing curriculum. Banks and Banks (2004, 2006) suggest adapting a multicultural model that includes:

• Cultural Content: Integrate diverse perspectives into coursework and ensure exposure to various cultural norms and health beliefs.
• Curricular Outcomes: Clearly define and assess outcomes related to cultural competence.

Course Design and Syllabus Development

Designing Inclusive Courses

A thorough analysis of course design should include:

• Outcome Identification: Define expected outcomes related to cultural competence and ensure the course content supports these goals.
• Instructional Methods: Facilitate open exchanges of ideas and values in both classroom and clinical settings.

Creating a Welcoming Syllabus

The syllabus should reflect inclusivity by:

• Respecting Diversity: Use inclusive language and clearly outline policies on religious observances, alongside standard references to disability services and anti-bullying policies.
• Legal Considerations: Ensure the syllabus complies with legal requirements while promoting an equitable learning environment.

Selecting Course Materials and Resources

Choosing Inclusive Resources

When selecting instructional materials, educators should:

• Avoid Bias: Scrutinize materials for implicit biases and ensure diverse representation in textbooks, articles, and media.
• Evaluate and Revise: Regularly assess and update course materials to include diverse perspectives and avoid cultural or gender bias.

Feedback and Improvement

Encourage feedback on instructional materials and use guides to evaluate and enhance resources, ensuring they support an inclusive curriculum.

By embracing these strategies, nursing education institutions can foster a more inclusive environment that prepares students to effectively serve a diverse patient population, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession.