State of the education in tertiary non university nursing schools of Argentina, 2007

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Nursing education in Argentina takes place in public and private universities (title of nurse and licensed) and nursing school non-university tertiary (diploma nurse). The report of the Argentina Federation of Nursing (FAE, 2004) notes that nursing education is characterized by the absence of a system of professional accreditation and a curricula that focuses on the disease at the expense of community health. He also notes the existence of poor information on training programs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the situation of vocational nursing school non-university tertiary, mainly based on indicators of structure, resources and curricula. METHODS: A descriptive quantitative study. We conducted a survey of existing tertiary nursing schools in Argentina. Subsequently, we interviewed the principals, teachers and students from 66 of the 109 facilities identified, which were selected on the basis of feasibility and affordability. RESULTS: 27 (40.9%) belonged to the provincial government institutions and 39 (59.1%) were private agency. 51% of the directors noted that the curricula are not oriented towards primary health care. Only 38% of establishments have signed agreements with state and private universities to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 76.8% of teachers has a degree in nursing. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the need to review and organize the curriculum through innovative training, interdisciplinary, focusing on student interests and aimed also to community health problems.