An operational curriculum model for authentic nurse education

A complete rewrite of an undergraduate nursing programme curriculum presents an opportunity for authors to reflect on all aspects of teaching and learning, propose solutions to problems using innovative approaches and take the opportunity to explore alternatives to the current, known or safe options. This paper details the curriculum development experience and outcomes of The Central Queensland University, School of Nursing. One of the products was the development of an operational model that aimed to provide a visual representation of the overall curriculum to guide and confirm content sequencing, reduce risks of arbitrary or individual course changes and remind subject authors to address current nursing theories and promote professional attributes within the content of every subject offered. The other development discussed here is the implementation of an integrated clinical practicum model aimed to overcome the theory-practice divide.