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The debate surrounding the need for reform in nursing education has been heard for well over a decade. Recently, deficiencies in the quality of patient care, as well as patient safety issues, have led to calls for change in health professions education by nursing organizations and the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The rationale and scope of any proposed curricular revision or changes in teaching practices must be firmly grounded in a comprehensive review of the literature and based on current research findings. This article synthesizes the recent literature related to curriculum reform and innovation in nursing education. Four themes were identified in the literature: incorporating safety and quality in nursing education, re-designing conceptual frameworks, strategies to address content laden curricula, and teaching using alternative pedagogies. Synthesis of the recent literature in the field will assist faculty who are beginning the curriculum evaluation and revision process in their own schools.

Nursing educators are challenged to include nursing theory in all levels of curricula when faced with many influences and requirements competing for course content, placement, and credit. Some of the essential influences and content, such as quality, safety, evidence-based practice, and research methods are important. However, the critical emphasis on theory and its relationship to practice and research must be preserved. This article addresses the influences that may threaten this relationship at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels of nursing education. Strategies are offered to ensure nurse educators continue to offer appropriate nursing theory content to advance both nursing science and practice.

Podcasting, a recently introduced technology, is being used increasingly in higher education. The authors provide an overview of the potential uses and techniques for implementing podcasting in nursing education. Their experiences with implementing podcasting in their nursing courses and the results of a survey on student feedback related to podcasting are presented.