Course Development for Nursing Education: A Student-
Centered Approach
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
Facilitation of Context-Based Student-Centered Learning
April 16, 2026
, Introduction
This paper outlines the rationale and structure of an eight-week
prelicensure BSN course titled “The Role of the BSN Nurse in Promoting
Community Health.” The course focuses on population-focused care, social
determinants of health (SDOH), epidemiology, vulnerable populations,
program planning, disaster preparedness, home health, and
interprofessional collaboration. The design emphasizes active learning
strategies including simulation, case-based learning, reflective journaling,
and team-based learning to prepare students for community health nursing
practice.
Justification of Course Design
How the learner benefits from taking the course. Students benefit by
learning to assess entire communities rather than focusing solely on
individual patients. This course bridges the gap between theoretical public
health concepts and practical applications through active learning
strategies such as windshield survey simulations, outbreak investigations,
and disaster drills. These approaches prepare students for the NCLEX and
for population-focused nursing roles (Jeffries, 2021). Evidence-based public
health interventions are essential for improving population health outcomes
(Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).
Specific concepts emphasized in the course. The course emphasizes eight
key concepts: population-focused care, social determinants of health,
disease transmission and prevention, health disparities, community health
program design, emergency management, chronic disease management in
home settings, and interprofessional collaboration. These concepts were
selected because they align with the AACN Essentials (2026) Domain 3:
Population Health. Community health nursing requires assessment of
environmental and social factors affecting populations (Rector & Stanley
2022).
Relevant to professional nursing practice. BSN nurses must be prepared to
respond to community outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19), address food insecurity
and housing instability, and work in home health settings. This course
directly builds these competencies. By focusing on SDOH, disaster
response, and vulnerable populations, the course equips students with skills
needed to improve population health outcomes and collaborate with
community partners.
Centered Approach
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
Facilitation of Context-Based Student-Centered Learning
April 16, 2026
, Introduction
This paper outlines the rationale and structure of an eight-week
prelicensure BSN course titled “The Role of the BSN Nurse in Promoting
Community Health.” The course focuses on population-focused care, social
determinants of health (SDOH), epidemiology, vulnerable populations,
program planning, disaster preparedness, home health, and
interprofessional collaboration. The design emphasizes active learning
strategies including simulation, case-based learning, reflective journaling,
and team-based learning to prepare students for community health nursing
practice.
Justification of Course Design
How the learner benefits from taking the course. Students benefit by
learning to assess entire communities rather than focusing solely on
individual patients. This course bridges the gap between theoretical public
health concepts and practical applications through active learning
strategies such as windshield survey simulations, outbreak investigations,
and disaster drills. These approaches prepare students for the NCLEX and
for population-focused nursing roles (Jeffries, 2021). Evidence-based public
health interventions are essential for improving population health outcomes
(Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019).
Specific concepts emphasized in the course. The course emphasizes eight
key concepts: population-focused care, social determinants of health,
disease transmission and prevention, health disparities, community health
program design, emergency management, chronic disease management in
home settings, and interprofessional collaboration. These concepts were
selected because they align with the AACN Essentials (2026) Domain 3:
Population Health. Community health nursing requires assessment of
environmental and social factors affecting populations (Rector & Stanley
2022).
Relevant to professional nursing practice. BSN nurses must be prepared to
respond to community outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19), address food insecurity
and housing instability, and work in home health settings. This course
directly builds these competencies. By focusing on SDOH, disaster
response, and vulnerable populations, the course equips students with skills
needed to improve population health outcomes and collaborate with
community partners.
