Evaluating Medication Safety in a Prelicensure Nursing Program Using the Mountain Model

BACKGROUND: New graduate nurses consistently demonstrate deficiencies in medication-safety competency. Nurse educators are positioned to optimize program outcomes and student competencies, such as medication safety, through systematic, evidence-informed evaluations. PROBLEM: There is a lack of exemplars to guide faculty in conducting problem-focused program evaluation, based on evidence using a contextually appropriate framework. An overlooked step to high-impact evaluations is selecting a framework based on formal processes that optimize outcomes. APPROACH: The Mountain Model for Evidence-Based Practice Program Evaluation led to the selection of the Promoting Excellence in Nursing Education framework to systematically evaluate medication safety across a prelicensure curriculum and identify actionable recommendations. OUTCOMES: This evaluation produced 24 targeted recommendations and opportunities to enhance medication safety education, in alignment with competency-based education, evidence-based practice, and accreditation standards. Strategic dissemination engaged program leadership and empowered faculty-led committees to drive and sustain change. CONCLUSIONS: This exemplar illustrates how the Mountain Model's systematic approach to selecting an evaluation framework maximizes outcomes and is transferable to other curricular topics in nursing education.