Breakthrough Thinking in Nursing Education: The Baccalaureate Big 5

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Traditional baccalaureate nursing education models required innovation.
• A need existed for a more effective, evidence-based approach to generalist nursing preparation.
• Breakthrough thinking was identified as a catalyst for educational reform.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, evidence-based model for baccalaureate generalist nursing education.
• To describe the semistructured brainstorming process used to develop the model.
• To provide a replicable framework for implementing the model in diverse settings.

Main Methods:

• A deliberate emphasis on breakthrough thinking.
• Semistructured brainstorming sessions.
• Development of the Baccalaureate Big 5 model.

Main Results:

• A radically new, evidence-based model for baccalaureate generalist nursing education was created.
• The model, termed the Baccalaureate Big 5, emerged from the process.
• Wider application of the model occurred in various settings.

Conclusions:

• The Baccalaureate Big 5 model represents a significant advancement in nursing education.
• The methodology used can be duplicated to foster innovation in nursing education and practice.
• The model has expanded nursing education and practice opportunities statewide and nationally.