Iowa Admin. Code r. 655-2.10

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 5, September 4, 2024

Rule 655-2.10 - Curriculum

(1) The curriculum of a program shall:

a. Reflect the philosophy/mission and program outcomes supported by the nursing faculty.

b. Identify program outcomes and define how learning experiences support outcomes.

c. Reflect current standards of nursing practice and education.

d. Be consistent with laws governing the practice of nursing.

e. Ensure sufficient preparation for the safe and effective practice of nursing.

f. Include planned learning experiences and strategies that demonstrate integration of knowledge and attainment of the program outcomes.

g. Reflect the roles for which the student is being prepared.

h. Be evaluated on a regular basis by the faculty and reflect achievement of student outcomes as demonstrated in the program evaluation plan.

i. When offered within a college or university:

(1) Be comparable in quality and requirements to other degree programs within the college or university.

(2) Be planned in accordance with the college or university calendar.

(3) Assign credit hours for learning experiences that are consistent with the college or university pattern.

(4) Provide a teaching/learning environment (classroom, clinical, laboratory, or simulation) that supports achievement of expected outcomes.

(2) Standardized examinations may be used to supplement a program's curriculum but shall not prevent a student's academic progression or graduation. At the time of enrollment, students shall be informed of the schedule and procedure for any standardized examinations utilized in the curriculum. The program shall have a process and procedure for remediation of students who do not pass the standardized examinations.

(3) Prelicensure programs.

a. The curriculum of a program leading to eligibility for initial licensure as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse shall include:

(1) Content that is consistent with the practice of nursing as defined in Iowa Code section 152.1.

(2) Content in medical, surgical, gerontological, mental health, and nursing of childbearing families and children that reflects current nursing practice and that encompasses health needs throughout the life span.

(3) Opportunities to participate in the nursing process and to develop competencies in direct patient care, problem-solving methodologies, clinical judgment, communication, and the use of current equipment and technology.

(4) Content in nursing history and trends, including professional, legal, and ethical aspects.

(5) Supporting content from the natural and social sciences.

b. In addition to the requirements identified in paragraph 2.10(3)"a," the curriculum of a program leading to a diploma in practical nursing and to eligibility to apply for practical nurse licensure by examination shall:

(1) Be consistent with the scope of practice of a licensed practical nurse as outlined in rules 655-6.3(152) and 655-6.6 (152).

(2) Focus on supportive or restorative care provided under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician pursuant to Iowa Code section 152.1 (4).

(3) Provide learning experiences in medical, surgical and gerontological nursing.

(4) Provide content in nursing of childbearing families and children and mental health that is supported by one or more of the following: clinical instruction, lab/simulation, or observation experiences adequate to meet program outcomes.

c. In addition to the requirements identified in paragraph 2.10(3)"a," the curriculum of a program leading to a degree in nursing and to eligibility to apply for registered nurse licensure by examination shall:

(1) Be consistent with the scope of practice of a registered nurse as outlined in rules 655-6.2 (152) and 655-6.7 (152).

(2) Focus on attaining, maintaining and regaining health and safety for individuals and groups by utilizing the principles of leadership, management, nursing informatics, and client education.

(3) Provide learning experiences in medical, surgical, mental health and gerontological nursing.

(4) Provide content in nursing of childbearing families and children that is supported by one or more of the following: clinical instruction, lab/simulation, or observation experiences adequate to meet program outcomes.

(5) Provide content in nursing research when the program leads to a baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degree.

(6) Provide learning experiences in community health nursing when the program leads to a baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degree.

(4) Postlicensure programs for registered nurses who do not hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

a. The curriculum of a program that leads to a baccalaureate degree in nursing shall include learning experiences in nursing that will enable the student to achieve competencies comparable to outcomes of the prelicensure baccalaureate education, including content in nursing research and learning experiences in community health nursing.

b. The curriculum of a program that leads to a master's degree in nursing shall include content and learning experiences in nursing that will enable the student to achieve competencies comparable to outcomes of the prelicensure baccalaureate education and master's education, including content in nursing research and learning experiences in community health nursing.

(5) Master's, post-master's, and doctoral programs for registered nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

a. The curriculum of a program leading to a master's or doctoral degree in nursing shall include in-depth study of:

(1) Nursing science, which includes content, practicum experiences and research.

(2) Advanced role areas in nursing.

b. The curriculum of a program leading to a master's degree or post-master's certificate in a nursing population focus, eligibility to apply for certification in the population focus by a national professional nursing organization approved by the board, and licensure as an advanced registered nurse practitioner shall:

(1) Be consistent with the scope of practice of the advanced registered nurse practitioner as described in 655-Chapter 7.

(2) Include advanced learning experiences in a specialty area of nursing.

(6) Nursing courses with a clinical or practicum component or both. The nursing program shall notify students and prospective students in writing that nursing courses with a clinical or practicum component may not be taken by a person:

a. Who has been denied licensure by the board.

b. Whose license is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in any United States jurisdiction.

c. Whose license is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action.

(7) Nursing programs with a simulation component shall:

a. Ensure that the simulation component does not exceed 50 percent of total clinical hours in a course.

b. Demonstrate that the simulation activities are linked to program outcomes.

c. Demonstrate that simulation activities are based on evidence-based practices.

d. Have written policies and procedures regarding the method of debriefing each simulated activity and a plan for orienting faculty to simulation.

e. Have short-term and long-term plans for integration and maintenance of simulation in the curriculum.

f. Have faculty educated in the use of simulation and who demonstrate ongoing expertise and competence.

g. Evaluate simulation activities based on faculty and student feedback.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 655-2.10

Amended by IAB December 6, 2017/Volume XL, Number 12, effective 1/10/2018