Development of Curriculum In Nursing EducationWhat Is Curriculum Development?
Curriculum development is the systematic process of designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs. It encompasses the formulation of a formal plan of study that includes the philosophical foundations, goals, and guidelines for delivering a specific educational program (Keating, 2011). This process involves both creating new programs and revising existing ones to ensure they meet current educational standards and address contemporary needs (Kim, 2012).
Impact of Curriculum on Nursing Education
In nursing education, curriculum development plays a crucial role in shaping the quality and effectiveness of training programs. Faculty members are responsible for creating and continually updating curricula that reflect current healthcare trends and prepare graduates to function effectively in the evolving healthcare environment (Ruchala, 2011). This responsibility includes ensuring that curricula align with the institutional and departmental mission, vision, and philosophy, as well as meeting the standards set by State Boards of Nursing and national accrediting agencies (Keating, 2011).
Effective curriculum development helps in:
- Preparing for Accreditation: Aligning curricula with established standards ensures that programs are prepared for accreditation and review, which helps maintain high quality and relevance (Keating, 2011).
- Supporting Faculty: Effective curriculum design requires faculty engagement and support, including utilizing expertise, serving on curriculum committees, and updating courses with current information. Administrative support is also essential for providing necessary resources and valuing the work involved (Ruchala, 2011).
- Promoting Excellence: According to the National League for Nursing (NLN), key indicators of a high-quality curriculum include evidence-based content, flexibility, research and innovation, cultural learning, and preparation for essential nursing roles (NLN, 2004). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) provides guidelines to help nursing programs meet the health care challenges of the new century and ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the evolving healthcare landscape (AACN, 2014).
Impact of Good Curriculum Development
Good curriculum development is essential for adapting to dynamic changes in healthcare and education. Key impacts include:
- Prevention of Curriculum Drift: Regular review and revision of curricula help prevent the gap between accredited and taught curricula, which can occur when changes are not monitored or updated (van de Mortel & Bird, 2010). This ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and effective.
- Responsiveness to Innovations: A well-developed curriculum adapts to innovations in practice, teaching, and learning, addressing challenges that arise between accreditation cycles (Waters et al., 2012).
- Continuous Improvement: Implementing continuous curriculum review processes helps identify and address issues affecting student experiences and supports quality improvement (van de Mortel & Bird, 2010). This approach encourages team building, leadership development, and holistic perspectives on curriculum.
Outcomes-Based Education: This approach focuses on defining the competencies and outcomes expected from the educational program, driving curricular content and learning processes based on these outcomes. It ensures that graduates meet the specific needs of their professional roles and address social needs (Kim, 2012).
Integrated and Comprehensive Curriculum
An integrated and comprehensive curriculum takes a holistic approach by incorporating feedback from graduates and current learners, understanding consumer expectations, and adapting to recent developments in regulations, standards, and higher education (Waters et al., 2012). It aims to balance:
- Core Knowledge: The essential body of nursing knowledge.
- Skills Development: Critical skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.
- Analytical and Critical Thinking: Developing the ability to analyze and think critically in clinical settings.
Ongoing dialogue and reform in curriculum development are necessary to ensure that nursing education remains responsive to changes and effectively prepares graduates for their roles in healthcare. This requires continual assessment and adaptation to maintain high standards of education and ensure that graduates demonstrate the competencies needed for success in both beginning registered nurse and advanced practice roles.
Conclusion
Curriculum development in nursing education is a dynamic and ongoing process crucial for maintaining the quality and relevance of nursing programs. By integrating contemporary healthcare trends, educational standards, and feedback from stakeholders, effective curriculum development ensures that nursing graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare field. Continuous review and adaptation are essential for addressing emerging challenges, promoting excellence, and producing competent nursing professionals capable of delivering high-quality care.