Universal Nursing School Curriculum

[Skeletor]

hello,

i couldn't help but notice how many posts discussed failures during nursing school semesters and the impact they have on one's pathway through nursing school. i just wanted to gauge general feelings on the idea of a nationwide nursing school curriculum, such as for an adn program(for simplicity sake), whereas if a student fails to meet standards during his/her respective semester and subsequently fails out of their school, they could transfer their earned credits and apply it to another school of their choice.

it would seem more beneficial to the nursing field as a whole if someone was unable to maintain academic standards at one scholastic institution, that their hard work and financial setback would not go to waste or cause them to forego continuing in the nursing field all-together.

i suppose the national accreditation agencies could gather around a table to come to a national standard of one set curriculum that nursing schools nationwide would adhere to and allow credits to transfer, as is the case with many community colleges and their neighboring bsn-educating state and private institutions.

at any rate, this is an idea that came to mind as i am fairly certain it has come to many others besides me...

[llg, PhD, RN]

While a little consistency can be a good thing, complete standardization would be disasterous as it would stiffle creativity, innovation, adaptability, etc. The variations are what make our system of education stronger as a whole and allow for productive evolution. Finding the right balance is difficult.

Also, the very foundation of the higher education system is based on a respect for the rights of the professorate to use its judgment in the design, execution, and evaluation of its programs. While national organizations and State Boards can set some basic standards, the power of determining the particulars will (and must) stay with the schools who have both the right and the duty to maintain their own standards as well.

The OP's thoughts are kind in their consideration of the desires of those who wish to transfer from school to school ... but there are other things that need to be considered as well.

[Logos]

Yea- I don't generally like the idea of standardized education- it has not helped the public school system for squat- I prefer to pick a university or community program based on its merits- & not some generics standardized system that I think would ultimately create more problems than it helped. I don't know I can see pros an cons, but my gut response is oh heck no. Even the state nclex exams are different aren't they?

I don't know I am just guessing that they are or why wouldn't you be certified for the country instead of just a state?