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New
nurses with bachelor’s degrees are well educated to meet the
health needs of America’s women, according to a new report
released today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services.
Women’s
Health in the Baccalaureate Nursing School Curriculum: Report
of a Survey and Recommendations found that those schools’ entry-level courses and evidence-based interventions
do address women's health issues.
“Given
the nursing shortage we face, it’s more important than ever
to make sure that nurses are prepared to meet the needs of
their patients,” said HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson.
“This report affirms that today’s nurse workforce is
ready to tackle a broad range of health issues.”
President
Bush’s Fiscal Year 2002 budget seeks extra funds to counter
the nurse shortage.
Now pending in Congress, the request would add $1.5
million for the Nursing Workforce Diversity program and $3.5
million for the Basic Nurse Education and Practice program.
Both programs are administered by the Health Resources
and Services Administration, an HHS agency.
A total of 334 schools
responded to the survey, which asked if women’s health topics
are covered in undergraduate nursing education programs and
whether the courses are elective or required.
The survey used a broad definition of women’s health
that includes health and illness issues unique to or more
prevalent in women.
The
report found that virtually all schools require their students
to take courses that address issues such as breast cancer;
contraception and fertility management; normal and abnormal
female anatomy and physiology; and sexually transmitted diseases
and prevention of risk.
Four-fifths of the responding schools teach cultural
competency as part of women's health communications.
The
report also found that more than 300 undergraduate nursing
programs now include domestic violence and rape counseling
and treatment as part of their required course content.
For
copies of the report, call the HRSA Information Center at
1-888-ASK-HRSA.
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Note:
HRSA press releases are available on the Web at http://www.hrsa.gov/newsroom.
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