National Study of Quality, Safety, and Just Culture in Prelicensure Nursing Education

Abstract

Abstract AIM The study’s aim was to evaluate the integration and application of quality and safety competencies and concepts of fair and just culture in prelicensure nursing education. BACKGROUND Health care organizations support a safety culture by encouraging error reporting without fear of punishment and by conducting investigations to determine causes to improve quality and learn from mistakes. In prelicensure nursing education, the response to errors is often punitive and threatens dismissal. METHOD Members of the National Student Nurses' Association were recruited to participate in an electronic assessment through the organization’s mailing system. RESULTS Students representing all prelicensure program types (BSN, ADN, diploma, accelerated) and 46 states (N = 268) completed the survey. CONCLUSION Nurse educators were found to have a positive impact on student quality and safety competency. Improvement is possible in developing and supporting just culture within nursing programs to bridge the gap between academia and practice.