The Appropriateness of Educational Programs' Objectives for Professional Needs: The Viewpoints of Khorramabad School of Nursing and Midwifery Graduates

Introduction: Evaluating the educational programs from the viewpoints of graduates may identify the weaknesses of such programs and provide the opportunity for their improvement. This study was performed to determine the appropriateness of educational programs for professional needs from the viewpoints of graduates of Khorramabad School of Nursing and Midwifery. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in the years 2006-2007 on 407 nursing and midwifery graduates who had graduated during 1999-2005. A questionnaire containing items about demographic data, appropriateness of educational programs objectives for professional needs, and factors influencing the quality of educational programs was sent to participants by mail and completed by them. The data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics and Chi-square. Results: Most of the nursing (72.9%) and midwifery (72.4%) graduates evaluated their competencies in taking care of patients as high. They also evaluated the training courses more effective on professional efficacy compared to practical and theoretical courses. From the graduates' points of view, the acquired skills during their academic years fulfilled their professional needs moderately, and lacking the essential skills made the nurses more strained than the midwives (37.1% and 22.4%, respectively). Factors affecting the quality of educational programs were reported by the graduates to be qualified faculty members and instructors, facilities for clinical education, educational environment, used teaching methods, educational facilities of the school, and the availability of scientific resources. Conclusion: professional needs of nursing and midwifery graduates are not fully covered by educational programs. It seems necessary to change the educational programs and provide required means and facilities in order to achieve the professional objectives and train skilled and productive human resources.