Master's study program in pediatric nursing: a proposal for health problems of Colombian children.

Abstract

T HE MASTER’S Study Program in Pediatric Nursing was created in order to achieve a high scientific level for the professional in nursing and to respond to the commitment acquired by the school and the professional in nursing in order to deal with the health condition of the population of children. The theoretical framework that supports the program’s orientation considers health as a social phenomenon and places it within the context of welfare and development of individuals in order to raise their quality of life, self-esteem, self-reliance, and personal welfare. This is achieved by taking into account the possibilities for the people to satisfy their needs and develop their ability to use their individual, group, and community resources. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to look for multidisciplinary and intersector integration that allows for a total approach to the health phenomenon. The child in his or her life environment and in the first stages of development is considered as the subject to be taken care of by the nurse. Nursing as a discipline that is being structured and based on its essence-taking care of peopledeals with health problems of the population of children in specific environments in which it is possible to interact with the child individually and in groups. Research as the articulating axis of the program is conceived as a continuing process of systematic construction of knowledge referring to a specific field of study. In the case of the Master’s Study Program in Pediatric Nursing, research concerning attention given to the health of the population of children is seen from a broad and comprehensive perspective. The Master’s Study Program in Pediatric Nursing lasts 4 semesters. Each semester is divided into 20 academic weeks and requires part-time dedication, distributed as follows: 3 days a week for on-campus work and 2 for independent work. Tutors assign