What is the hidden curriculum, and how does it affect nursing students?

Authors

  • The Meducator
  • Simon Farquharson
  • Laura Nguyen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15173/m.v1i35.2210

Abstract

The hidden curriculum can be defined as that which is taught to students
unintentionally by the culture, structure, and people of their educational setting.
Although most authors agree on its importance, little is written about how
the hidden curriculum affects nursing students in both university and clinical
placements. The purpose of this review is to take a broad look at the research
on the hidden curriculum in an attempt to better understand its current value and
future potential, as it affects nursing students and the profession. A brief history
of the hidden curriculum is provided in relation to nursing education, followed by
a review of the literature with a specific focus on the variety of educational and
clinical applications in which it plays important roles. These topics arose from
interactions with peers, nurses, non-faculty staff, and other community members,
all of which had potential impacts on the students. Ultimately, the hidden curriculum
is an understudied, underappreciated component of education, and is one in which
students play a major personal role in developing. Both faculty and students need to
understand the power and importance of this tool, as it has the capacity to shape
the future of the nursing profession.

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Published

2019-08-20

How to Cite

1.
Meducator T, Farquharson S, Nguyen L. What is the hidden curriculum, and how does it affect nursing students?. M [Internet]. 2019 Aug. 20 [cited 2024 Dec. 8];1(35):31-3. Available from: https://journals.mcmaster.ca/meducator/article/view/2210

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Section

Critical Reviews

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