Nursing’s orphans: How the system of nursing education in Australia is undermining professional identity
Wendy Madsen
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health Central Queensland University Bundaberg QLD
Margaret McAllister
School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore QLD
Judith Godden
Department of History, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW
Jennene Greenhill
Clinical Education, Rural Clinical School, Flinders University Adelaide SA
Rachel Reed
School of Health and Sport Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore QLD
PP: 9 - 18
Abstract
This paper draws on the results of a national study of approaches to teaching nursing's history in Australia. We argue that the neglect of history learning within undergraduate nursing and midwifery education is undermining the development in students of a strong professional nursing identity.
The data in our study shows that instead of proud, informed professionals, we are at risk of producing a generation of professional orphans - unaware of who they are and where they've come from, unaware of reasons underlying cultural practices within the profession, lacking in vision for the future, insecure about their capacity to contribute to future directions, and not feeling part of something bigger and more enduring.
Keywords
nursing, history, professional identity, curriculum, retention, Australia
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