A learning need is the information or knowledge that a student needs to obtain prior to starting a nursing class or program. It refers to the subject areas a student is deficient in and needs additional education in before she is at the same level as the rest of the students in the course. Since most nursing programs are fast-paced and cover large amounts of information, it's important that all students are at the same level before the program begins.
Students entering a nursing program are required to take prerequisite courses in subject areas such as human anatomy and physiology, English composition, speech and microbiology. These courses help ensure that students have the required knowledge prior to starting nursing classes. Without these classes, instructors would need to assess students to learn what their understanding and knowledge of the human body is. They would then need to cater their classes to bring students with little or no knowledge up to the same level as the rest of the class.
Some instructors find it beneficial to conduct a learning needs assessment on nursing students' opinions and thoughts about the nursing profession. While many students know what the nursing field entails as they enter the program, some are unaware of the less-than-glamorous aspects. Using the assessment, teachers can identify and discuss with students misconceptions they might have.
Nursing instructors can use learning needs assessment tools throughout the course of the nursing program. Providing the assessments to students periodically allows the instructor to see if the students understand and are retaining the knowledge and skills they need for the nursing field. Any area where a significant percentage of students scored poorly may be an indication to the instructor that she needs to devote additional class time to discussing that topic.