Assessment of Quality and Safety Education in Nursing: A New York State Perspective

AIM The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of integration of Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies and learning strategies into pre-licensure nursing curricula in New York state. BACKGROUND Faculty are expected to ensure the integration of quality and safety competencies developed by the Institute of Medicine in all nursing pre-licensure curricula. METHOD Faculty/administrators in 98 nursing programs were surveyed to determine their role in curriculum development, integration of QSEN competencies, satisfaction with student competency development, preparation to teach QSEN competencies, and utilization of QSEN resources. Focus groups were conducted to confirm survey findings. RESULTS The rate of competency adoption was found to be substantial, but faculty reported needing more information on the quality, safety, and informatics competencies. CONCLUSION QSEN has been embraced, but QSEN knowledge, skills, and attitudes need further amplification in pre-licensure nursing curricula within the state.