A model for multicultural curriculum development in baccalaureate nursing education

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Cultural Competence in Healthcare
• Multiculturalism in Health Professions

Background:

• Integrating multiculturalism into nursing education is vital for providing culturally sensitive care.
• Existing nursing curricula may lack comprehensive approaches to multicultural concepts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the definitions of multicultural concepts within nursing curricula.
• To introduce and apply an innovative model for analyzing multiculturalism in a baccalaureate nursing program.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a broad operational definition of multiculturalism for curricular analysis.
• Collected and analyzed data from faculty and student interviews.
• Reviewed course syllabi, learning materials, textbooks, videos, and clinical experiences.

Main Results:

• Identified specific strengths in the existing curriculum regarding multiculturalism.
• Uncovered areas of omission, bias, and insensitivity within the curriculum.
• Highlighted the need for enhanced multicultural content and pedagogical approaches.

Conclusions:

• The developed model provides a framework for assessing and improving multicultural content in nursing curricula.
• Faculty development and administrative action are recommended to address identified gaps.
• Emphasized the importance of ongoing learning and heightened sensitivity to multiculturalism in nursing practice and education.