In the 21st century, nursing faces numerous challenges, including a growing population of elderly and critically ill patients, rising healthcare costs, shortages of nursing staff and educators, and an aging nursing workforce. To meet the evolving demands of healthcare, nurse educators must continuously evaluate and update curricula, teaching methods, and programs to adequately prepare new nurses for practice. Quality education depends greatly on skilled and capable faculty members. Faculty development and vacancies pose significant challenges in nursing education. Factors such as limited resources in nursing schools, greater demands for participation in non-academic university activities, and comparatively low salaries contribute to the shortage of nurses. This shortage, in turn, limits the capacity of nursing programs. Educators require practical experience to effectively integrate theory into practice, align theoretical concepts with practical courses, employ evidence-based educational strategies, and equip nursing students with the skills needed in the contemporary healthcare environment (Fawaz et al., 2018).
Within this course, we are exploring the complex field of curriculum development in nursing education. A critical aspect of this study involves examining the historical forces that have shaped nursing education to its present state. As noted by Billings and Halstead, nursing education has undergone significant evolution, influenced by changes in society, advancements in healthcare, and the evolving role of nurses in the healthcare system. This historical context offers valuable insights into the current challenges and opportunities in nursing education (Billings & Halstead, 2019).
A major influence on nursing curriculum development is the broader societal and higher education context. The importance of aligning nursing curricula with societal needs and trends, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet the evolving demands of healthcare. Additionally, Keating and DeBoor highlight the impact of legal, economic, and global health issues on nursing education, emphasizing the need for curricula that address these complex challenges. Given these influences, it is evident that nursing education curriculum must be adaptable and responsive to the changing healthcare landscape. This necessitates a thorough understanding of both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of curriculum development in nursing education (Keating & DeBoor, 2018).
In summary, this course offers a comprehensive examination of curriculum development in nursing education, including historical influences, societal and higher education considerations, legal, economic, and global health issues, as well as nursing-specific factors. By engaging with these topics, we can deepen our understanding of curriculum development and contribute to the advancement of nursing education.
References
Fawaz, M. A., Hamdan-Mansour, A. M., & Tassi, A. (2018). Challenges facing nursing education in the advanced healthcare environment. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 9, 105–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2018.10.005
Billings, D. M., & Halstead, J. A. (2019). Teaching in Nursing: A Guide for Faculty (6th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences (US). https://reader.yuzu.com/books/9780323570374Links to an external site.
Keating & DeBoor, S. S. (2018). Curriculum development and evaluation in nursing education (4th ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
