Curricular Innovation for Quality and Safety Certification in a Graduate Program

Abstract

Faculty desired to improve student preparation regarding quality and safety and to differentiate student profiles. The master's entry and postbaccalaureate programs collaborated to improve and standardize quality and safety education in nursing. The Graduate Program integrated the evidence-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety into the master's entry and postbaccalaureate curricula. Institute for Healthcare Improvement modules were embedded into both didactic and clinical courses, beginning with core courses and extending to the final residency course. Didactic modules are graded as scored assignments; clinical modules are graded as satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Graduates are better prepared to transform the care environment based on student feedback. Graduates also experience an improved graduate curriculum based on end-of-program surveys and portfolio evidence. Continuous improvement of the curriculum also assists in meeting accreditation standards. This collaborative effort within the graduate program is viewed as a key program improvement from both student and program perspectives. [J Nurs Educ. 2020;59(5):291-292.].