Preregistration adult nursing programmes and promotion of a population health agenda: an investigation

Abstract

Promoting health and preventing ill health are key standards of proficiency for pre-registration nursing education in the UK. The knowledge and skills required to fulfil this role is dependent on students developing a clear understanding of population health during their educational experience. The websites of the 60 undergraduate adult nursing programmes in England that lead to registration were explored, to see how the population health agenda is presented in the information for future candidates. It was found that only 26% of universities promote a population health agenda in the general description of the adult nursing programme, emphasising clinical skills teaching and partnerships with hospital trusts for placement provision. To embrace the breadth of 21st century nursing practice, universities should be marketing nursing proficiencies and raising awareness of the wider context in which care is delivered during recruitment. This approach to branding has the potential to challenge stereotypes and widen participation.