Sociotechnical professional perspectives for a nursing administration curriculum

Area of Science:

• Nursing Administration
• Healthcare Management
• Sociotechnical Systems Theory

Background:

• A new curriculum for nursing administration was implemented four years ago.
• The curriculum is based on a sociotechnical/professional perspective, aligning with current literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a new nursing administration curriculum.
• To assess students' ability to understand and apply sociotechnical principles.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum implementation and ongoing observation.
• Analysis of student performance in comprehensive examinations and written papers.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated the ability to articulate and apply sociotechnical/professional principles.
• The curriculum's philosophical overlay requires faculty commitment to new administrative roles (facilitation, coordination, integration).

Conclusions:

• The sociotechnical/professional perspective is contemporary and future-oriented for nursing administration.
• Faculty orientation to new administrative roles is necessary for successful curriculum implementation.
• The curriculum offers a valuable, forward-thinking approach for graduate students seeking innovative learning.