Providing a structured and systematic approach to learning equips nurses with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meet the changing demands of the healthcare industry and provide quality patient care. Therefore, nursing curricula must be well-designed, regularly evaluated, and updated to ensure the competence of nurses and the advancement of the nursing profession.
An Overview of the Curriculum
The nursing curriculum designed for Capella College in Minneapolis, MN is structured to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to excel as nursing professionals in the ever-evolving healthcare industry. The curriculum focuses on developing expertise in nursing informatics and the knowledge necessary to deliver quality patient care. The course content is designed to provide students with the latest tools, technologies, and best practices in nursing, and the curriculum is tailored to meet the changing needs of the healthcare industry.
Structure and Examination
The curriculum is built upon the foundation of nursing informatics and the knowledge essential for nursing practice. It is designed to align with the mission, philosophy, and strategy of the parent institution and program, as well as to comply with state regulations and accreditation standards. The curriculum is structured to address the changing needs of society, nursing, healthcare delivery, healthcare needs, educational practice, student diversity, and emerging technology.
Course Development and Influencing Factors
The curriculum was developed collaboratively among faculty, stakeholders, and external entities, including regulatory and accrediting bodies. The development process was influenced by internal factors such as organizational processes, curriculum committees, and internal review bodies, as well as external factors such as funding, stakeholders, and regulatory and accrediting agencies.
Curriculum Assessment
Curriculum assessment examines the curriculum to determine its effectiveness and make any necessary improvements to enhance its quality. An ongoing process occurs periodically to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and meets the needs of students and stakeholders. Key measures are considered in curriculum assessment, including alignment with program outcomes, curriculum content, teaching and learning strategies, student performance, and program resources. Pilot testing can be used as a tool for evaluating the curriculum.
Importance of Curriculum Evaluation
Curriculum evaluation is important because it provides a systematic and ongoing process to assess the quality and effectiveness of a curriculum (Peter, 2019). It helps identify strengths and weaknesses and determines whether the curriculum is achieving its intended goals and objectives. Regular evaluation ensures the curriculum remains current and relevant, reflecting changes in society, technology, and healthcare delivery.
Additionally, curriculum evaluation provides valuable feedback to faculty and educators, allowing them to improve their teaching methods and better support student learning. The results of curriculum evaluation can also be used to justify resource allocation, demonstrate accountability, and satisfy accreditation standards. Ultimately, curriculum evaluation helps ensure that the curriculum prepares students to effectively and competently meet the changing demands of their future careers.
Conclusion
Curriculum evaluation is a critical process in nursing education, ensuring that programs remain relevant, effective, and of high quality. It involves assessing various aspects of the curriculum, including its content, teaching and learning strategies, student performance, and resources. Curriculum evaluation is an ongoing process that helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that nursing education programs prepare students to meet the changing demands of healthcare. It is essential for all stakeholders in the nursing education system, including faculty, students, healthcare providers, and accrediting bodies, to collaborate and engage in continuous curriculum assessment to maintain the quality and effectiveness of nursing education programs.
References
Abedini, M., & Abedini, S. (2022). Curriculum Development in Nursing Education: Challenges and Considerations. Journal of Research in Nursing Education, 1(2), 13-16.
Gouëdard, P., Lenoir, Y., Chapelle, C., & Saint-Dizier de Almeida, P. (2020). The Cultural Evolution