One meter stick--the nursing audit

In this very critical evaluation of the value and effectiveness of nursing audits, the author shares information about the state of nursing in Australia, gleaned from a recent study, Some myths about nursing practice are debunked. The stark reality is discussed and analysed and a direction for the future is suggested. Although the paper relates exclusively to Australia, its contents will undoubtedly ring true in many other countries. The dichotomy between nursing education and nursing service is considered at length. As are the resulting conflicts of nursing students, clinical instructors and nurse tutors. Teachers of nursing appear to decry the need for them to be clinically involved, as a result nursing education is less meaningful. A particularly strong plea is made for adequate inservice education programmes and a more flexible and through approach to change, free from undue commitment to the past.