Models for evaluating nursing education programs

Systematic evaluations of nursing educational programs can be difficult, time-consuming, contentious, and unrewarding processes. Yet there is little doubt of the value of a well-designed, systematic evaluation. Nurse educators and administrators currently face challenges to maximize the value of educational resources by increasing productivity, allocating resources appropriately, and accounting for their use. Credible, ongoing evaluations are necessary for meeting these challenges and maintaining high standards in nursing education. Several heuristic models are available to assist nurse educators and administrators in establishing systematic, ongoing processes of program evaluation. Each of the models described offers a slightly different perspective and organizing framework. Each also has various advantages and disadvantages, depending on individual program needs.