Using problem-based learning to prepare advanced practice community health nurses for the 21st century

This article describes the process of developing and using problem-based learning (PBL) as a teaching strategy for advanced practice community health nursing students in one university. This article discusses the fit between the goals of PBL and the goals of advanced community health nursing practice, describes the process of case development and delineates classroom implementation strategies and evaluation methods. Authors engaged in an intensive, year-long process of conducting content analyses of the core courses in a masters-level community health advanced practice curriculum. Original cases were developed for each of three courses. Each case was accompanied by detailed objectives, suggested tutor questions, case summary, concept map, tutor tips, and suggested learning resources. The cases were used in the core courses in an advanced practice community health nursing curriculum in a rural outreach site.