Theoretical education in
conformity with the practical education
De
Kock, J. A. G. W.
University
Hospital Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Objective:
Characteristic of the nursing education
during the last twenty years is the increase of the theoretical education
and the decrease of the practical education. This difference did not
improve the professional skills of the specialised nurse. The training
centre for nurses of the University Hospital Rotterdam did realise that
education and practice of specialised nurses should be as close as possible
in order to reassess the practical education. Beside this the aim was to
co-ordinate the training programs and the labour market. It also improved
the possibility for nurses to switch from one specialisation to the other.
Methods:
The training centre started a project
together with 33 hospitals for 6 specialisations in nurse training
programs. After we drew up an inventory of tasks of the (for instance)
paediatric nurse, we analysed those tasks and formulated the professional
skills. To reach those skills training programs have been developed. These
training programs include theoretical and practical parts and skills lab as
well.
Results:
In September 1997 the first paediatric
nurses graduated successfully. In 1999 the method has been used to develop
a totally new education program for The Netherlands namely a program for
paediatric oncology nurses. Until then only a theoretical program excised.
The recent developed program is attuned to the program of paediatric nurses
and administer justice to the skills those nurses have. In January 2001 the
first paediatric oncology nurses graduated.
Conclusion:
The results are positive and all
participants admit that the theoretical program must follow the nursing
practice.