The purpose of this study was to identify the content and structure for a nursing diploma program which would be suited to the needs of the Yukon and the Northwest Territories; to evaluate the similarity between and within the territories; and to identify any existing programs which would be readily adaptable to include the identified content and structure. The research was conducted in two phases. Phase One was the development of a questionnaire based on information on selected existing nursing curricula. Phase Two was the collection and analysis of the data.
Questionnaires were distributed to nurses, employers of nurses, and representative community members in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Collection of data in the communities was accomplished with the assistance of local "data gatherers" who distributed the questionnaires and assisted respondents where necessary. Questionnaires were mailed to nurses and employers of nurses. There was a total of 827 questionnaires sent out and 428 usable ones returned. The overall return rate of the questionnaires was 51.5%. There was similarity in responses amongst the groups and between the geographical regions.
Analysis of the data resulted in a set of criteria for evaluating nursing education programs. There were four dominant themes for nursing education which emerged - community focus; interpersonal relations; acute/advanced nursing; and high standards for nursing education with articulation with a baccalaureate program, and commitment to lifelong learning.
