The evolution of a nontraditional nursing curriculum in Switzerland

• Published in: The Journal of nursing education Vol. 49; no. 10; pp. 545 - 549
• Main Author: Simon, Elizabeth B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SLACK INCORPORATED 01-10-2010
• Subjects: Cooperation; Curricula; Curriculum; Education reform; Education, Nursing - organization & administration; Education, Nursing - trends; Educational Change; Educational Practices; Educational Strategies; Europe; Higher education; Humans; International Cooperation; International organizations; Internships; Nurses; Nursing; Nursing care; Nursing education; Nursing schools; Schools, Nursing; Students; Europe; United States > US; Switzerland; Western Europe
• ISSN: 0148-4834; 1938-2421
• DOI: 10.3928/01484834-20100524-07

This article introduces the transition of Haute Ecole de Santé Genève (HEDS) from Le Bon Secours (LBS). History reveals that unlike many nursing schools in Switzerland, HEDS absorbed the nurse education culture of the United States. HEDS was influenced by the vision of its founder Dr. Champendal, the support and strategies of the Rockefeller Foundation, American nurse education through its past directors, and eventually the European educational reform. Founded in 1905 with a vision to be in constant evolution, HEDS is still making a difference in the local and global community through opportunities for transcontinental presence for its students. The international vision of this school with new English-speaking strategies will lead HEDS to define and develop nursing science research in Western Europe and Switzerland. This article will inspire academics to initiate steps to provide a unique experience for their nursing students.