Increasing Exposure to Primary Care Nursing Through Curriculum Revision and an Innovative Nursing Minor
Tia Bell1, Julie Blazek, Karen Elsea
1Assistant Dean (Dr Bell), Assistant Professor (Ms Blazek), Undergraduate Program Director and Assistant Professor (Dr Elsea), and Assistant Professor (Dr Morris), School of Nursing, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Background:
The changing health care environment dictates a workforce competently trained to address chronic health care issues particularly in primary care settings. Curriculum analysis identified deficits in primary care education and the need to create academic opportunities that bridge the gap between primary health care needs and nursing preparation.
Method:
An existing academic-clinical partnership was leveraged to create a primary care minor for BSN students designed to provide a comprehensive adjunct to the traditional baccalaureate nursing curriculum. A total of 19 credits and 150 clinical hours are necessary to complete the minor. Additionally, the BSN curriculum was revised to include primary care for all students.
Results:
A total of 45 students and 26 preceptors have participated in the elective courses. Eight students have completed the minor with 11 additional students in the final course.
Conclusion:
A nursing curriculum with increased primary care exposure may improve workforce preparation and address health care needs.
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