Integrative Review of the Current Educational Strategies for Teaching Pediatric Nursing in the Prelicensure Nursing Program

Background: The United States Census Bureau stated that there were 76.1 million children aged birth to 17 years in the United States, and 13.9% of these children are estimated to have special health care needs. In California, 9.9% of children have special health care needs. This background information leads to question the pediatric nurse educators' preparation of the nursing students in the pre-licensure nursing program. Major challenges that confront nursing schools and faculty include deficiency of qualified pediatric faculty and lack of available clinical sites. Various relevant literatures revealed that there were several strategies including clinical simulation, incorporation of the concepts of evidenced-based practices, and community-based education that can be utilized to teach pediatric nursing. However, the most effective teaching methodology was still unknown. There is a need to examine the current challenges and the teaching strategies in pediatric nursing education. Aim: The purpose of the study was to describe and compare the current educational strategies that meet the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requirement in teaching pediatrics in a pre-licensure nursing program. Methods: An integrative literature review using publications pertaining to pediatric teaching strategies in the pre-licensure nursing programs from January 2009 to December 2012 were retrieved from PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Collaboration. Primary and secondary reviewers assessed quality through a quality rating scale. Results: Seven articles met the inclusive criteria and were included in the review. There were four teaching strategies identified including the use of community-based education, focus group, simulation, and evidence-based practice. Discussion between the primary and secondary reviewers regarding the use of the quality assessment tool revealed a substantial level of agreement (Cohen's Kappa 0.682). Recommendations: Findings support the utilization of community-based education and simulation in pediatric nursing education could be considered as an effective teaching strategy that would meet the BRN requirement in the pre-licensure nursing program. A variety of research designs, samples, and pre-licensure nursing programs in various locations and setting were recommended for future study, as well as increased research involvement of nurse educators in the Associate Degree Nursing program. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]