Francis C. Biley

Exploring the potential of problem-based learning in nurse education

It could be argued that the role of the nurse is beginning to change from that of a medical assistant to one of a more research-aware, reflective professional. As a result, the education of nursing students has needed to adapt. This paper explores how problem-based learning (PBL) may be an appropriate means of achieving an educational preparation that can respond to changing needs. Particular attention is paid to the theoretical underpinnings of PBL, especially the concepts of adult education, cognitive processes and learning in context. Some of the relevant empirical studies are reviewed, and the authors attempt to identify the gaps in the literature, concluding by recommending a course of action to expand the existing levels of understanding and evidence that supports, or otherwise, the use of PBL.

Rituals: the 'soul' purpose.

Nursing has, perhaps unknowingly, given recognition to the importance of maintaining the clients normal rituals and patterns of day-to-day activity on admission to hospital. To make the client feel more at ease, comfortable and relaxed, care is aimed at adhering to their usual routine. To this end, the clients bedtime rituals, toileting habits and many other of their daily routines are explored during the hospital admission process or initiation ceremony to the ward. As nurses, we place great meaning on trying to maintain these rituals and routines for the client, recognizing that keeping a sense of normality may be of great importance. It seems almost paradoxical then, that it is we nurses who criticize ourselves for compulsively adhering to what are described as ritualistic ways of working; which it has been said, are of seemingly little value both to the clients own healing process and nursing itself. In a recent paper the notion that ritualized practice had no place in nursing and made a case for the defence of rituals was challenged. This paper expands this theme further, exploring the symbolic and ancestral necessity for rituals, drawing upon archetypal psychology to help illustrate the potential hazards for the nursing milieu of dismissing rituals without fully understanding their latent purpose.

An exploration of issues relating to feminism and nurse education.

This paper explores the issue of feminism in relation to nursing and nurse education. As a result of this exploration, the authors suggest there is a need for a move away from traditional patriarchal approaches to nurse education, towards an educational programme based on empowerment principles that maximises the potential of feminine patterns of thinking.

Heart of the matter: Dawn Freshwater and Francis Biley analyse what some believe is the most fundamental nursing value – caring

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) means that there are problems with the heart and/or blood vessels. Most people are not aware that kidney disease raises the risk for CVD. This is very important because conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are known to be leading causes of CVD. These conditions damage blood vessels and organs like the heart, leading to CVD. Because of this connection, CVD is common in people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and heart disease is the leading cause of death for people with CKD.