Critical Care Nursing Courses in Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs: Present and Future Directions / 중환자간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study examined the status of critical care nursing education in bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to suggest future directions.METHODS: The target of the survey was 185 BSN programs that were certified by the Korean Accreditation Board of Nursing Education as of October 31, 2016. We structurally reviewed the curriculums and the course syllabi.RESULTS: Forty-eight courses of 42 BSN programs were analyzed. Only five programs offered both theoretical and practical courses in critical care nursing; 22 offered theoretical courses and 26 offered practical courses. Most courses were offered as electives with 1 or 2 credits, and were taught by faculty who were experts in adult health nursing.CONCLUSION: The results show that there is a quantitative shortage of critical care nursing education in the curriculum of BSN programs in Korea. The lack of knowledge and skills on critical care can lead to a burden of new intensive care unit nurses and is a threat to patients' health. It is necessary to develop a practical and integrative curriculum for critical care nursing education.