Reexamining the associate degree curriculum. Assessing the need for community concepts

Significant changes taking place in health care delivery in our community in Louisiana have led faculty to reexamine the associate degree nursing curriculum. We recognized the trend toward the decreased need for inpatient care and the greater need for outpatient care and home care in the community. In addition, we noted the need for nursing care to assist the elderly in the management of chronic illness and provide education on health promotion and disease prevention.