Integrating rehabilitation content in nursing curricula

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Curriculum Development
• Systems Theory in Nursing

Background:

• The Simmons College nursing department sought to update its curriculum.
• A need existed to integrate theoretical concepts with practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the revision of a nursing curriculum.
• To detail the integration of Betty Neuman's Systems Model.
• To outline the implementation of tertiary prevention content in a senior-level rehabilitation setting.

Main Methods:

• Revised curriculum using Betty Neuman's Systems Model as a framework.
• Identified, grouped, and sequenced essential nursing content.
• Integrated tertiary prevention content and clinical experiences in senior year.

Main Results:

• A logically sequenced and leveled curriculum was developed.
• Students received theoretical and practical learning in rehabilitation settings.
• Formative and summative evaluations informed modifications.

Conclusions:

• The revised curriculum effectively integrated theoretical and practical learning.
• Betty Neuman's Systems Model provided a robust framework for curriculum design.
• The approach facilitated the application of tertiary prevention strategies in nursing practice.