Capella 6107 Assessment 1

Assessment 1: Curriculum Overview, Framework, and Analysis

Student Name

Capella University

School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Capella University

NURS-FPX 6107 Assessment 1:

Curriculum Design, Development, and Evaluation

Prof. Name:

Date

Curriculum Overview, Framework, and Analysis

This essay provides an examination of Capella University’s BSN nursing curriculum in Minneapolis, MN. It delves into the program’s objectives, structure, accreditation, and the mission and course descriptions of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Additionally, the essay explores the integration of professional standards, guidelines, and competencies in the curriculum and how it aligns with current healthcare demands.

Identification of Nursing Curriculum

Capella University’s BSN curriculum in Minneapolis, MN is tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement in the healthcare field. The program aims to equip learners with a strong foundation in nursing theory, research, and practice, with a focus on leadership, quality improvement, and patient-centered care. The BSN program addresses the increasing complexity of the healthcare environment, necessitating nurses to possess a broader knowledge base and skill set. It is designed to foster critical thinking, communication, and leadership abilities essential in the dynamic healthcare landscape.

Assessment 1: Curriculum Overview, Framework, and Analysis

Capella University is a regionally accredited online institution offering various degree programs, including nursing, with a commitment to providing a high-quality and accessible education for nursing learners. The BSN program caters to the needs of working baccalaureate nurses and registered nurses (RNs) who may find attending traditional, on-campus programs challenging due to time constraints or limited resources.

Mission Statement and Course Descriptions

Mission Statement:

Capella University’s BSN program aims to impart students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to excel in diverse healthcare settings. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and ethical decision-making, the program strives to promote high-quality patient care.

Course Descriptions:

1. Health Assessment and Promotion: This course equips students with the skills to conduct comprehensive health assessments and promote healthy lifestyles. Learners learn data collection and analysis, health promotion strategies, and patient education. NURS-FPX 6107 Assessment 1: Curriculum Overview, Framework, and Analysis

2. Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice: This course introduces students to nursing research principles and evidence-based practice. Learners critically appraise research literature, evaluate nursing interventions, and apply evidence to enhance patient outcomes.

3. Nursing Leadership and Management: Focusing on leadership and management principles in healthcare organizations, this course prepares students to lead interdisciplinary teams, develop strategic plans, and implement quality improvement initiatives.

4. Pathophysiology and Pharmacology: This course provides an understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying common health conditions and the pharmacological treatments for management. Students learn to assess medication efficacy and safety, monitor for adverse effects, and educate patients on medication use.

5. Community and Public Health Nursing: Exploring the nurse’s role in promoting health and preventing illness in communities and populations, this course covers community needs assessment, health promotion program development, and program evaluation.

6. Patient-Centered Care: Focused on delivering patient-centered care throughout the lifespan, this course emphasizes therapeutic relationships, effective communication, and culturally competent care.

7. Nursing Ethics and Legal Issues: This course examines ethical and legal considerations in healthcare practice, guiding students to make ethical decisions, navigate complex legal frameworks, and advocate for patients’ rights.

NURS-FPX 6107 Assessment 1: Curriculum Overview, Framework, and Analysis

Capella University’s BSN program appears to offer a comprehensive nursing education. It covers essential topics such as health assessment, nursing research, leadership, and patient-centered care. The program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice and cultural competence is commendable, as these are crucial for delivering high-quality patient care. The inclusion of nursing ethics and legal issues courses reflects the growing significance of these topics in healthcare practice. However, one potential critique could be a slight overemphasis on theoretical knowledge compared to practical skills. While certain courses, such as Health Assessment and Patient-Centered Care, likely provide opportunities for hands-on learning, some others may be more lecture-based. This balance between theory and practice is a common challenge in nursing programs.

Professional Standards, Guidelines, and Competencies

The BSN program at Capella University strongly emphasizes building competencies in key areas such as interprofessional collaboration, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and information management. This focus aligns with the established professional standards and guidelines in the nursing and healthcare industry.

Interprofessional collaboration is vital in healthcare, involving the collaborative efforts of professionals from various disciplines to provide comprehensive care. The program’s emphasis on this competency indicates that students will learn to work effectively with other healthcare professionals for optimal patient outcomes.

NURS-FPX 6107 Assessment 1: Curriculum Overview, Framework, and Analysis

Quality improvement is another crucial area integrated into the program. It pertains to the ongoing efforts of healthcare organizations to enhance care quality and patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. By prioritizing quality improvement competencies, the program aims to prepare students as leaders in healthcare quality enhancement.

Evidence-based practice is a core concept, utilizing clinical expertise, patient values, and current research to inform patient care decisions. By emphasizing evidence-based practice, the program ensures students can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care to patients.

Information management is essential for utilizing data and technology effectively to support decision-making and enhance patient care and healthcare operations. The program’s emphasis on information management prepares students to harness data for improving care and supporting healthcare organizations.

Student Learning Outcomes

The BSN program’s learning outcomes at Capella University are aligned with established professional standards. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. The following are the student learning outcomes and their alignment with the professional standards incorporated in the program:

1. Application of Nursing Theory, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice: Aligned with the American Nurses Association (ANA) Standards of Practice, this outcome equips students to apply research findings to improve patient care.

2. Health Assessment and Promotion: Corresponding with the National League for Nursing (NLN) Core Competencies for Nurse Educators, this outcome focuses on health promotion and disease prevention.

3. Effective Communication with Patients, Families, and Teams: Aligned with the ANA Code of Ethics, this outcome underscores the importance of communication in building trust and ensuring patient safety.

4. Patient Safety, Clinical Management, and Quality Improvement: Emphasizing quality improvement, this outcome prepares students to lead initiatives in improving care quality.

Recommendation to Update Healthcare Knowledge

To update healthcare knowledge in Capella University’s nursing curriculum, the following steps are suggested:

1. Form a task force comprising nursing faculty and healthcare practitioners responsible for reviewing and updating the curriculum regularly.

2. Identify the latest trends and developments in healthcare through literature reviews, conference participation, and expert consultations.

3. Incorporate the latest research, guidelines, and best practices into the curriculum by updating existing courses and developing new ones.

4. Utilize diverse teaching methods and technologies, such as online modules, simulations, and case studies, to deliver updated content effectively.

5. Assess the effectiveness of the updated curriculum through feedback from students, alumni, and healthcare practitioners, making necessary adjustments.

6. Monitor the healthcare landscape continuously and make curriculum updates as needed.

7. Encourage faculty professional development and provide opportunities for ongoing learning.

8. Seek feedback from alumni and healthcare practitioners to ensure graduates are prepared to meet current industry needs.

Organizing Design and Theoretical Framework

Capella University’s nursing program aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Standards of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. The curriculum emphasizes core competencies such as interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and information management. An organizing design or theoretical framework in nursing education would provide a structured guide for curriculum development, assessment, and teaching strategies, ensuring alignment with established professional standards and best practices in nursing.

The AACN’s Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice serves as a flexible

References

AACN. (2021). AACN Essentials Aacnnursing.org. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Essentials

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2022). The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/BaccEssentials08 

Burns, A. (2020). LibGuides: RN to BSN: Baccalaureate Essentials. Cabarruscollege.libguides.com. https://cabarruscollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=1013020&p=7337687 

Kreeger, L. (2023). School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Capella.edu. https://catalog.capella.edu/content/catalog/home/academic-offerings/school-of-nursing-and-health-sciences 

Malak, H. A. (2021, March 21). What is Information Management? The Complete Guide. Information Management Simplified. https://theecmconsultant.com/what-is-information-management/ 

SNHS. (2023). School of Nursing and Health Sciences.Capella.edu. https://catalog.capella.edu/content/catalog/home/academic-offerings/school-of-nursing-and-health-sciences 

Turner, M. (2022). UC Library Guides: Evidence-Based Practice in Health: Introduction. Libguides.com. https://canberra.libguides.com/evidence 

Wood, R. (2020). Transforming Education. Nih.gov; National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209885/ 

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