Content area
Abstract
This exploratory study used an Action Research methodology, collecting qualitative data to obtain stakeholder feedback to inform undergraduate nursing curricula. Learning organizational concepts guided the research. Nurse graduates and employers engaged in focus groups to share strengths and weaknesses of the program under study. The data provided evidence of a program strong in teaching the necessary knowledge and competencies, but identified some weaknesses in the areas of teaching nursing roles and values. Faculty stakeholders were active in assisting in focus group question development but less so in accepting the research findings as their own. Action research was a very effective methodology to engage stakeholders in the process to improve curricula. The barriers in this study were related to very significant organizational changes that limited the short term receptivity to this research.
