Curriculum revision: making the process work

This paper presents the experience of one nursing faculty in revising a baccalaureate programme for registered nurses. Mechanisms used to facilitate the process of curriculum revision and to promote involvement of community agencies as well as faculty members and students are discussed. These mechanisms include use of a core co-ordinating group (curriculum co-ordinator, consultant in instructional development, administrative support person) to guide the process, acceptance of a draft of nursing theory content before proposing specific courses and student and community agency representation on course-development committees. The revision process is then analysed in relation to change theory. Particular attention is given to the concepts of involving all those affected by the change, maintaining open and effective communication and factors which minimize resistance.