 Introduction

The changes that are occurring in the social and cultural life of the society as a result of the
impact of advancements in the science based technology are broadly described as modernization.
Since education is a multipolar process, it is influenced by the modernization in different ways.

Trends mean movement in a particular direction. When we speak of a trend in nursing education,
we mean a change currently taking place in nursing trends education and influencing the
profession as a whole. For example, the present trend in nursing education is towards a higher
level of education in the basic preparation of a professional nurse. This is a change happening
right now and causing the entire profession to move in the direction of higher education for the
professional nurse. The knowledge of trends is important for all members of nursing profession.
Planning for nursing education and nursing services as well as controlling the direction in which
the profession moves are only-possible if we are aware of current trends

Now the trend is lifelong learning. There are more opportunities to up-grade levels of knowledge
and skills; there is a demand for continuing education. A person Enters and leaves education at
different points in work life. Nursing Education has evolved to any time, any place, part-time or
full-time.

 DEFINITION OF EDUCATION

“Education is the all-round drawing out of the best in child and man body, mind and spirit.”
- Mahatma Gandhi.
Nursing education is a professional education which is consciously and systematically
planned and implemented through instruction and discipline and aims the harmonious
development of the physical, intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual and aesthetic power or
abilities of the student in order to render professional nursing care to people of all ages, in all
phases of health and illness, in a variety of settings, in the best or highest possible manner

 DEFINITION OF NURSING EDUCATION

“Nursing education is the professional education for the preparation of nurses to enable
them to render professional nursing care to people of all ages, in all phases of health and illness,
in a variety of settings.”
 Nursing Education in India
At the beginning, people giving nursing care were not formally prepared. They had motivation to
serve, but lacked knowledge and reason to serve. However, slowly social reforms led the way for
education in all fields. Women were not encouraged to undergo formal education. The social
reforms of the 9th century in European countries led to formal preparation of nurses through
education. As the medical profession progressed, the importance was laid on formal preparation
of nurses.

Modem nursing education started on the basis of Florence Nightingale's work and training plan
developed in a school of nursing in London. It is hard to rely that recognized preparation for
modern nursing education began with the establishment of Nightingale School of Nursing in
London. Nightingale stressed that nursing was not domestic and charitable service, but a
respected occupation requiring advanced education.

 Evolution of Nursing Education in India

 1871 -School of nursing started in general hospital, Madras
 1886 -School of nursing in a full-fledged form was started in JJ hospital, Bombay.
 1892 -Many hospitals in Bombay started nursing associations which were intended to
provide additional facilities for the training of local nurses.
 1908-TNAI established.
 1909-Bombay presidency nursing association was formed.
 1910-United board of examination for nurses was organized
 1913- South India Board was organized.
 1926-First nurse's registration act passed in Madras.
 1942 -ANM program started
 1943-School of nursing at RAK College, New Delhi
 1946- Four year BSc nursing program was started in RAK College, New Delhi and CMC,
Vellore.
 1947-INC act was passed.
 1949-INC was established.
 1959- MSc nursing programme was started at RAK College.
 1963-Post basic BSc nursing program started in various institutions.
 1968- MSc nursing in CMC, Vellore
 1985- IGNOU established.
 1986- Curriculum changes for GNM program from three and half years to three years.
 1986- M Phil programme started in RAK, Delhi.
 1988- MSc nursing in NIMHANS, Bangalore.
 1992- PhD in RAK College, New Delhi.
 2001- PhD at NIMHANS, Bangalore.
 2005 to 2006- Increased duration GNM from 3 years to 3.5 years.
 2006 to 2007 revised syllabus of ANM.
 2015-2016: Revision of GNM syllabus and decrease duration from 3.5 years to
3 years by INC

 Trends in Nursing Education

A profession is a dynamic integration of various faculties of knowledge. Since nursing education
is a professional education, it is dynamic by its own nature and thereby giving rise to trends. The
Task of Human Resources Planning, Development and Management is to ensure the presence of
the right nurse with the right qualification at the right role at the right time, in the right place with
the proper authority and appropriate recognition

 Periodic Revision of Curriculum:

Flexible curriculum designs are evolving to facilitate diversity of educational opportunity and
overcome barriers of distance and time. These curricula are often competency based, focused on
outcome and emphasize on student participation and responsibility for learning. E.g Curriculum
duration of diploma GNM has been changed from 3 years and 6 months (internship) to 3 years in
2015.

 Innovation in Teaching and Learning:

In nursing education, lots of innovations are taking place in the areas of teaching and learning.
Invariably, these innovations lead to intellectual development, personal development and career
development. E.g. use of concept mapping.

 Educational Quality Assurance:

Educational Quality assurance is a process for monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and
effectiveness of educational provision and to institute remedial measures as and when needed. In
India, Nursing Education is flourishing at greater pace; naturally this will lead to dilution in the
quality of nursing education in the absence of proper quality control measures. Motivated by this
situation, accrediting bodies and nurse educators are expressing deep concern regarding the
quality of quality nursing education It is high time to prepare a quality index of nursing
institutions all over the country categorizing them into different grades based on infrastructure
and faculty profile
 More reliance on technology:
Technology exerts greater influences on nursing education as a tool for teaching and learning.
Judicious use of educational psychology in the development and practice of educational
technology has increased its user-friendly nature considerably.

 Emphasis on High-Tech-High Touch Approach:

High tech-high-touch approach in nursing care was devised to preserve the human component of
nursing care without undermining the advantages of technological advancements in the field of
patient care. Present day nursing education is preparing the students to maintain the human
elements of nursing while caring the patients with the help of sophisticated gadgets

 Preparation of Global Nurses:

Nursing education is all set to reap benefits created by globalization and liberalization by way of
preparing global nurses. Many institutions are preparing students with a global perspective
through providing learning experience to each student's knowledge in English along with the
attainment of other objectives

 Trans-National Acceptance:
Nursing educational programmed in one nation are widely accepted by other nations. In fact, this
trans-national acceptance is the main reason for the development of nursing education in the
countries like India.

 Emergence of New Specialties:

As par with the development in the medical and new specialties, the education is also offering
new specialties to meet the needs of the community. e.g. Medical Surgical Nursing further has
various sub-specialties such as cardio nursing, orthopedic nursing and many more.

 Increased opportunities for higher education/studies:

Nowadays, many institutions are offering various programs such as post certificate B.Sc nursing,
M.Sc. nursing, M Phil, and PhD. An eligible candidate can easily pursue higher education
without much time lag.
 Preference of Short-term Clinical Programs
Many graduate nurses prefer short term clinical programs of six months like trauma nursing,
critical care nursing to upgrade their basic qualification for better career opportunities prevailing
in the service sector.

 Potential Shortage of Nurse Educators:

As a result of the existing career opportunities in the service sector when compared to the
educational side, talented nurses are now opting a career in the service side for better prospects.
This may lead to a shortage of nurse educators in the near future. Since the presence of talented
nurses in the service sector will do a lot in uplifting the public image of our profession

 Diminishing Government Role:

Shortage of funds coupled with certain policy decisions has prevented the government from
investing further in the field of nursing education. Now, the private sector is playing a dominant
role in the development of nursing education.

 Uniformity and Standardization:

Various universities and nursing boards are conducting nursing programs in a different manner.
Even though efforts are on the way bringing about the much needed uniformity and
standardization, nothing significant has been achieved so far.

 Enrollment of Men as Nursing Students:

Previously, nursing was considered as a profession of females only. Less number of males was
entering this profession. But now the trends in changing Males are also becoming members of
this profession

 Computers in Nursing Education:

Computers are used in all the fields with the advent of advanced technology. Also, in nursing
there is wider use of computers for different purposes. That's why computer education has been
introduced in nursing curriculum

 Diversification of Nursing Students:

Students have become greatly diverse in terms of age, race, gender, economic status, learning
style etc.
 University based Education:
Previously, the GNM and ANM courses were offered in Schools of Nursing that were not
affiliated to any University. Now, B.Sc. Nursing and M.Sc. Nursing courses are being offered to
nursing students in the colleges of Nursing affiliated to universities, e.g.: Baba Farid University
of Health Sciences, Faridkot in Punjab

 Expanded Nursing Literature:

Nursing literature has greatly expanded with new books, journals, annual reviews, standards and
policy statements. Advanced Nursing Courses: Previously,

 Community Health Oriented Nursing Education:

Previously, there was more emphasis on education related to care of hospitalized patients.
Nowadays community health oriented nursing education has also been given emphasis in
curriculum of nursing education.

 Proficiency Scoring:
Nursing is a profession which develops and refines the skills of students; clinical performance
appraisal of nursing students is a tough challenge for the evaluators. The introduction of
proficiency scoring in nursing education has eased the job of nurse educators

 Research in Nursing Education:

One of the criteria for a profession is research. The nursing profession is evolving at a rapid
pace, not only in service domain, but also in education and research field. Nurses should be
prepared to do research so that they can gain insight into nursing problems. Research has become
a major area in curriculum of nursing education

 Periodic Revision of Curriculum:

Accrediting bodies of respective countries are revising the curriculum of nursing education
from time to time, for example, INC in India. This is
 Periodic Revision of Curriculum:
required so that the nurses can be prepared according to the changing needs of society, emerging
health problems, advanced technology used in healthcare facilities etc.

 Distance Education in Nursing:

Different universities all over the world have started offering nursing courses through distance
education. For example, in India IGNOU has started the B.Sc. Nursing post basic nursing course.
 Privatization of Nursing Education:
A large number of nursing institutes are being established in private sector. This has resulted in
flourishing of nursing education thus strengthening the nursing profession.

 Collaboration with foreign universities:-

As the number of people getting education is less in our country .Government started
undertaking specific programmers for students and integrating non-governmental organizations
for enhancing education In addition, a lot of foreign universities are attracting students to have
specialized education for the students. Many reformers focused on reforming society by
reforming education on more scientific, humanistic, pragmatic or democratic principles. John
Dewey and Anton Makarenko are prominent examples of such reformers

Some reformers incorporated several motivations, e g. Maria Montessori, who both "educated for
peace" (a social goal), and to meet the needs of the child."(A humanistic goal.)

 Innovations in teaching and learning:

In nursing education, lot of innovations is taking place in the areas of teaching and learning.
Invariably, these innovations lead to intellectual development, personal development and career
development

 Uniformity and Standardization:

Various universities and nursing boards are conducting nursing programs in a different manner.
Even though efforts are on the way bringing about the much needed uniformity and
standardization, nothing significant has been achieved so far.

 Emergence of individual as a teaching unit: -

Each and every individual is unique. Teachers have started to realize the abilities of individual
students and have started to give care based on individual differences and view individual
student as a single unit. The concept of class room as a whole is disappearing.

 Integration of Theory and Practice in Nursing Education:

Nursing is a profession, which emphasizes the knowledge and skills related to patient care.
Therefore, nowadays there is more stress on integration of theory and practice in nursing
education
 Nursing Theories in Nursing Education:
Nursing theories should be applied for providing effective nursing care to patients. So, the nurses
should be equipped with knowledge of these nursing theories. Nursing theories have become an
important component in curriculum of for nurses

 Advanced Educational Technology.

Advanced educational technology, media like OHP's, slide projectors, computer models etc. are
now used by nursing teachers to provide effective learning experiences to students

 Emphasis on Legal Aspects in Nursing: Consumers in today's world have become

more aware due to the Consumer Protection Act. Therefore, the nurses should be provided
in-depth information about legal aspects in nursing. Legal aspects in nursing are also
included in the curriculum for nurses.

 Introduction of OSCE:
For making the clinical evaluation more Objective, Structured Clinical Evaluation has been
introduced by nursing teachers. This has proved to be very beneficial.

 Accreditation of nursing institutes:

All the nursing institutes need to get accreditation from State Nursing Council and INC
periodically. This is required for checking that all the required facilities for providing nursing
education are being fulfilled. Quality Assurance in Nursing Education: More emphasis on
provision of quality education to the nursing students is also an important trend. For achieving
this, the governing bodies have established the standards of nursing education. Periodic
inspections of nursing institutes are also carried to see whether the education is provided
according to these standards. Universities and SNRC has made facilities for surprise inspections
to maintain standards as established by INC.

 Self Evaluation:
Previously, the evaluation was totally the duty of teachers. But as the trend is changing. Self-
evaluation by students is also given emphasis so that the students will get more insight of his or
her performance.
 Financial Assistance from Government and International Agencies:
Government agencies and international agencies have started giving financial aid to the nursing
institutes for promotion of nursing education for example. Ministry of health and family welfare
and WHO are providing funds to National Institute of Nursing Education, PGIMER, Chandigarh
for organizing workshop.

 Scholarships and Awards for Students:

Scholarships and awards are given to the students who secure distinguished positions at different
levels like college level, university level, state level and national level. For example, TNAI grant
scholarships like TATA Memorial Scholarship Fund, Kapadia Memorial Fund etc.

 Pedocentric:
Student is a focus of the present day education system. The interest is shifted from the subject
matter to student and the teaching learning process is largely directed by the nature and needs of
learners.

 Teacher's role:
This shift in emphasis from the teacher to the pupil in the process of education and the carrying
out of instructional activates with the realization of specific and clear cut learning outcomes.

 Education for equality.

 Evidenced based teaching-learning/research in education.
 Tele-education: Activity centered and Creative .education
 Increased acceptance of non-formal type of education
 Women education. Adult education
 Vocational education
 Methods of appraisal: e.g. replacement of scoring system with grading system Innovation in
teaching-learning methods.
 Commercialization of education
 International nurses’ mobility
 Issues related to Nursing Education.

1.The gap between theory and practice:

Since the nurse teachers are expected to teach through interactive methods and simulations. But
how far the teachers are expert in using these teaching modalities? It is a big question in front of
nursing planners. Therefore, to put into practice these types of modalities, there is a need to have
expert teachers and well oriented with these modalities to bring out expected teaching outcome.

2. Educational preparation:
There is a need to prepare competent students with adequate knowledge, attitude, and skill. The
infrastructure, e.g. adequate library facility, clinical facilities, articles, etc., is lacking in most of
the nursing institutions, which even if available, it is not utilized properly.

3. Lack of competent teachers:

Having qualified and competent nurse teachers is a major issue at present. They should have rich
experience of clinical with update knowledge of system and technology used for patient care.

4. Lack of promotional avenues and team spirit among teachers:

In most of the nursing institutions, the carrier ladder of nursing faculty is poor, and there is a lack
of team spirit among them. They have less opportunity to have higher positions that may create
frustrations among them.

5. Inadequate infrastructure:

Inadequate library facilities, transport facilities, poor nursing lab facilities, and
inadequate hostel facilities need attention.

6.Uniformity and standardization of nursing education:

The nursing workforce available is less per demand to meet the future health-care
needs and challenges. Numbers of nursing institutions are coming up to prepare
nurses of different levels. There is limited involvement of nurses at the policy level

7. Lack of work culture:

There is a need to develop a work culture among teachers and students who are
lacking.
8. Quality of nursing education: The quality of nursing education is in jeopardy
due to an inadequate national nursing plan, development, and evaluation system.
The criteria for evaluating quality will be through student competencies shortly.

 Major issues related to nursing service.

 Nursing service standards and quality care.
 Accreditation of hospitals and institutions
 Shortage and brain drain of nurses
 Phasing out schools of nursing.
 Lack of leadership.
 Professional autonomy
 Independent nurse practitioners.
 Preparation of nurses for using information technology
 Nursing care evaluation
 Nursing records and documentation
 Staff development/programs
 Ethical and legal issues.
 Nursing audit system Renewal of registration
 Job descriptions
 Working conditions
 Nursing Practice Issues

 CONCLUSION
Education is a purposeful process aimed at the development of human beings. It is concerned
directly with the child in the matter of bringing out his hidden talents. The changes that are
occurring in the social and cultural life of the society as a result of the impact of modernization
Trends are the changes that takes place and become vogue. The technological changes, changes
in demographics and health patterns have contributed to various trends in nursing education. The
dynamic nature of nursing education strives to enhance the quality of care, the core of nursing.
 Bibliography:
1. Sodhi Jaspreet Kaur Comprehensive Textbook of Nursing Education,
The Health Sciences Publisher, New Delhi.Edition-1st. Page-38-40

2. Neeraja K.P Text book of Nursing Education, Jaypee Brother’s Medical

Publishers(P) Ltd, New Delhi, Edition-1st Page-9-11

3. Sharma. K. Suresh /Sharma Reena, Communication and Educational

Technology, Elsevier, REIX, India Pvt, Ltd, New Delhi. Edition -2nd
Page-122-148