Using the Ottawa Model for Nursing Curriculum Renewal to align a baccalaureate nursing program with the 2021 AACN...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Curriculum Development
• Healthcare Transformation

Background:

• The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, necessitating changes in nursing education.
• Nursing graduates must be equipped to provide effective care in complex and diverse settings.
• Existing baccalaureate programs require revision to meet contemporary healthcare demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a nursing school's systematic approach to revising its baccalaureate curriculum.
• To detail the early phases of integrating the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials into nursing programs.
• To provide insights and guidance for other institutions undertaking similar curriculum transformations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Ottawa Model for Nursing Curriculum Renewal, a three-phase process (preparatory, active, evaluation).
• Focused the preparatory phase on establishing structure, leadership, goals, timelines, and stakeholder engagement.
• The active phase involves finalizing goals, assessing the current curriculum, planning and implementing changes, and seeking approvals.

Main Results:

• The preparatory phase successfully established foundational elements for curriculum revision.
• Early lessons learned emphasize the critical role of sustained faculty and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaboration with practice partners and continuous education are identified as key facilitators.

Conclusions:

• The structured approach, guided by the Ottawa Model, facilitates the integration of the AACN Essentials.
• Ongoing evaluation is crucial for ensuring the effective adoption of revised curricula.
• This process offers a valuable framework for other nursing programs aiming to modernize their educational offerings.