Spiritual care that enhances patient well-being should be taught to nurses, but it is unclear how or if it is being taught, according to a survey of 685 Scottish nurses. Nurses should be aware of the spiritual dimension of their own lives, have experience and learning from crises, and collaborate with clergy in meeting patients' spiritual needs.…

There is no consensus on current approaches to teaching ethics to nurses. It might be best to introduce students to a range of theoretical perspectives that help them develop a moral framework within which to make their own ethical decisions. (SK)

Looks at the problems associated with the rapidly changing health-care system and the anxiety caused by it. Suggests a shift in nursing education is necessary in order to provide competent primary health-care practitioners. Describes the integrated primary health-care program at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. (JOW)

A study to investigate the constraints that nursing program administrators encounter in promoting faculty change and development received responses from 271 of 422 administrators. Availability of resources affects faculty development as does perception by administration that faculty need to show an interest and assume personal responsibility for…

A survey of nursing program faculty and administrators, program evaluators, and board of review members (n=541) identified desired revisions in accreditation criteria and a process to support nursing education during times of change. Findings have given helpful direction to staff and appointed members involved with the accreditation process. (JOW)

The Action Learning Group is a strategy used in a nursing diploma/degree program to bridge the theory-practice gap. Techniques of reflective learning through group discussion allow students to become aware of the sources of their experience and beliefs and to move toward accountability and responsibility. (SK)

A nursing education program uses group projects to resolve the problem of whether the purpose is to teach students to read research or to conduct it. The project approach focuses on types of research decisions rather than results, giving students insight into the "hidden" research process. (SK)

Critical incident analysis, combining actual experiences with structured reflection, can facilitate learning from clinical practice and develop interpersonal skills and self-awareness. (SK)

Nursing education should play an important role in developing culturally sensitive health care. Nurses and midwives should be trained in assessing health needs of different cultural groups and developing appropriate care. (SK)

The Australian approach to postcompulsory education involves professional and academic bodies in defining competencies for higher-level qualifications, resulting in a competency-based qualifications system. (JOW)

Examines the common problems with clinical conferences and suggests approaches to maximize student learning. Suggests that an effective clinical conference has three characteristics: (1) it is a group event; (2) it contributes to the achievement of course and clinical objectives; and (3) it provides a setting for students to explore personal…

This case study shows how a team of trainers, instructional designers, and medical experts developed training modules that nurse educators could use in their own medical facilities on their own schedules. (Author)

It is critical that nursing recruit individuals who reflect the populations served; curriculum and clinical experience should be culturally relevant. Current demographic data provide information to guide goal setting for educational programs, research, and clinical practice. (SK)

Dialog journals can help develop nursing students' critical reflection skills. Problems in their use include procrastination, superficial entries, waning enthusiasm, and unwillingness or inability to reflect. Teachers should act as partners, not evaluators, in responding to students. (SK)

Describes one focus of an ongoing partnership between a Veterans Health Administration medical center and a university-based school of nursing: to improve patient outcomes through patient-centered continuity of care. (Author)