Curriculum convention for Nursing at Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Nursing in its complex phenomenal change in the current arena requires a convention of this sort to bring about stakeholders’ thoughts and experiences to the limelight of change for quality in nursing education and service, convenor Dr. Linu Sara George expressed. The key nursing personnel that shaped the one day convention are Dr. Jaya Kuruvilla, Principal P.D. Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre Mumbai, Dr. Fatima D’Silva, Dean of Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences, NITTE University, Mangalore. Dr. K Ramnarayan, the Vice President, Faculty development and Alumni Relations, the well-known administrator, good teacher and the former Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education was the other moderator along with Dr. Jaya Kuruvilla and Dr. Fatima D’Silva for the curriculum convention. Dr. Anice George, Dean Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education addressed the gathering with a note to orient the entire team of students, alumni, parents and faculty on what a convention wishes to grasp from the group discussion. This is essential to bring about changes that are perceived by the stake holders for a change in the current curriculum that might reinforce and contribute to the nursing council for its innovation and change.

Dr. K. Ramnarayan in his presidential inaugural address spelt out a strong message on follow up of the revelations of change. He described curriculum as a wind that is something you cannot see but you can experience it. You can definitely see the effect. Convention is here to discuss, debate, descent, disagree and dialogue and bring a decision that can make a change in its quality in education.

A curriculum can become effective only when all the stake holders are comfortable. In this context one need to focus on the hidden curriculum which gives you certain outcome that is unintended which is good or bad. Sincere look into the hidden curriculum will bring about awareness about the unintentional learning that are unconsciously learnt through the program. Changes in the lives of the stakeholders’ unintended journey may reveal what changes are necessary in the curriculum for its effectiveness meaningfully. Curriculum innovation can happen through obvious observations of the intended learning and also through unintended learning. Teachers need to create a formal forum to discuss and look back for a better generation next. Learning in laughter, fun and gazing constantly on the running curriculum should focus on meaningful outcome. The day long event began with a brain storming session framed into 8 groups randomly selected from all levels on the two themes - Speculation curriculum and contemporary curriculum for the P.B.B.Sc. and M.Sc. nursing curriculum. Strengths, weaknesses and hidden curriculum points are identified in each group and presented before the audience. Ideas were critiqued by the members and ideas well shared with Do’s and don’ts. Parents spoke their heart saying that they had zero knowledge about what nursing curriculum was like when their children underwent the course but was happy to know what all had happened in the life of their children. They appreciated the teacher’s role in taking care of their children not only of their learning but also helping them out in their difficult moments of life.

Curriculum convention is a new term in nursing and Manipal has taken a step ahead. Students always find a way so as how curriculum need to be improved yet one realizes the fact that nursing curriculum holds the most comprehensive curriculum across any medical science curriculum. Preparation of students with multiple dimensions in subjects helps students find suitable job in today’s market and in fact other discipline have adopted our approach as it sounds comprehensive. Students should be able to appreciate the curriculum innovators of yester years but need a change as there has emerged a considerable change in the health care, receivers and technology. Accreditation plays a major role in shaping changes in healthcare as it makes a difference in care and thereby needing a change in curriculum. Therefore education and practice has a gap always. To combat the gap one need to adopt change in curricular activities by default. Manipal may play a pivotal role in the curriculum revision that is a visualisation for 2017 in the Indian Nursing Council. Credit based system can roll over the responsibilities of teacher centred to students centred learning outcome and make teaching learning more accountable says Dr. Jaya Kuruvilla. 

Dr. Fatima D’Silva opined on having credit based system to help our nursing graduates find a better place across the globe. Add on subjects and open electives would make them more competent for the present health care market. Dr. Ramnarayan expressed his felt concept of the curriculum convention as a unique one where each member shared and he reminded the participants one day, they will realize down the line that they were a part of this very unique curriculum convention. Session concluded with a note of thanks by Dr. Judith Noronha, Associate Dean, MCON, Manipal.