Nurse practitioner curriculum for the 21st century: a model for evaluation and revision

The popularity and acceptance of the nurse practitioner (NP) role, developed in response to a need for additional health care providers, have led to large numbers of educational programs that prepare nurses for NP practice. These programs, following guidelines developed by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Curriculum Guidelines Task Force prepare NPs who are able to provide care to individuals and families throughout the life span. However, in the present health care environment, the NP curriculum constantly must be monitored and evaluated to reflect change. The authors developed a model for curricula revision that incorporates the elements of health policy, community needs and demands, and curriculum goals. This model promotes ongoing reflection on the educational product and assesses graduates' abilities to serve clients and communities within the constraints and opportunities afforded by the current health care system. This model is proactive and embraces the nurse practitioner curriculum guidelines as its core.