The functions of a nurse: perceptions held by university students of nursing

The transfer of basic nursing education from the hospital to the tertiary education sector provided unique opportunities for research. This study examined student perceptions of the functions in which they believed nurses were involved in the performance of their role. The entry perceptions of students over three years were examined, during which time perceptions of nursing functions did vary. Two student groups were monitored throughout the three years of the nursing program. It was found that perceptions of nursing functions varied according to curriculum content and exposure to a variety of health and illness experiences as well as role models.