During a recent government meeting, significant curriculum changes were proposed and approved for various nursing programs across multiple institutions. The discussions primarily focused on enhancing student outcomes and adapting to the evolving educational landscape.

Professor Andrew Ngong presented a request to increase credit hours for several courses in the practical nursing program at Mid America College of Health Sciences. The proposed changes include raising pharmacology from 2 to 4 credits, IV therapy from module 4 to module 2, and mental health and leadership courses from 2 to 3 credits each. This adjustment would increase the total credit hours from 43 to 48 within the existing 9-month program. Ngong emphasized that the changes aim to improve student performance in critical areas such as drug calculations and clinical judgment, with no additional costs to students.

Concerns were raised about the feasibility of the increased credit load, particularly regarding the balance between remediation and new content. Ngong assured that the new resources from the publisher, Lippincott, would provide ample support for students, allowing for a more student-centered approach to learning. The motion to approve the changes was passed, focusing specifically on pharmacology and IV therapy, with a commitment to monitor student outcomes closely.

Flint Hills Technical College also sought approval to remove certain courses that were deemed unnecessary, as their objectives were already covered in the core curriculum. The motion to streamline their program was unanimously approved.

Wichita State University proposed adding 20 additional seats to their traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to accommodate students who may not gain admission to the accelerated program. This move aims to retain applicants and ensure that nursing education remains accessible, especially in light of fluctuating enrollment numbers. The request was approved, allowing for greater flexibility in student admissions.

Johnson County Community College introduced a hybrid model for their transitional course for LPN to RN students, combining online and face-to-face instruction. This change is intended to enhance student engagement and provide a more flexible learning environment. The motion to implement this hybrid format was also approved.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a proactive approach to nursing education, with institutions adapting their curricula to better support student learning and address the challenges faced in clinical training. The approved changes reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes while maintaining accessibility for future nursing professionals.