Malaysian nurses’ views: Local versus Transnational Higher Education courses.

Abstract

Introduction Nursing is a relatively new academic discipline with nurse education transferred from hospital based apprentice type training or hands on knowledge during day-to-day work on the hospital ward to become absorbed into the culture of the practice environment. Initially, it led to diplomas for entry level nurse education in Higher Education Institutions but the current trend internationally, is a shift from Diploma to Degree level. It is to enhance the education, professionalism, status of nurses and signify parity with other disciplines within the professional context, healthcare and society. The move itself is supported by the Institute of Medicine report (2010) that stressed 80% of nurses need to be Baccalaureate-prepared by 2020.