Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify a model based on f the learning objectives in adult health nursing curriculums. The model can be eventually reflected in Korean National Nurse's Licensing Examination (KNNLE).
METHODS
The model was developed through a series of practical analysis by the task force team from June to October, 2011. The research team conducted the data synthesis and analysis from the learning objectives of adult health nursing drawn from selected national and international universities, from the adult health nursing areas in KNNLE, and from the current disease prevalence from clinical data in the representative university hospitals in Korea.
RESULTS
The current disease prevalence and mortality rates are on the increase especially for malignant neoplasm, heart diseases, suicide and diabetes. The items on the KNNLE of adult nursing are categorized by body systems into digestive system (15%), introduction (13.8%), respiratory system (11.3%), and cardiac system (11.3%). While the current system-based learning objectives covers extensive areas of adult health nursing, the core items are required to be selected based on core competences and core learning objectives to restructure the items of KNNLE. The first revised model is to consolidate and restructure the items microscopically in the subjects of adult health nursing by system. The second proposed model from macroscopic perspective is to build a comprehensive scheme of nursing curriculum by encompassing 8 subjects under current KNNLE and adjust the number of items accordingly.
CONCLUSION
The items of KNNLE need to be gradually redesigned by considering the intervention need at clinical practice and the modified learning objectives of adult health nursing. Based on the job analysis on core competences for newly employed nurses performed by the Korean Accreditation Board of Nursing, it is necessary to establish the core learning objectives of adult health nursing and set up standards for core items in KNNLE.