Changing times changing paradigm (1): From hospital training and college education in Australia

In 1985, nurse education in New South Wales (NSW), Australia changed from hospital based nursing courses to preparation for comprehensive registration within the tertiary sector. The Nightingale apprenticeship system with an emphasis on the service needs of the institution had persisted for almost a century. The early 1970's however saw the emergence in Australia of a new paradigm in nurse education challenging the traditional training perspective. The student nurse in NSW has now assumed the role of learner and is supernumerary to the health care team when practising in a wide range of health care settings. This article has two parts, the first of which discusses the background to the development of a new paradigm in nurse education and the implications of the change process. In particular, the reaction of the medical profession to the greater degree of autonomy demonstrated by nurses in relation to their preparation for practice, is discussed.