Reconsidering rituals: a vehicle for educational change

Rituals continue to be a component of nursing practice. Their origins may be related to the historical antecedents of physician domination, the experience of sacred events such as birth and death, and an unconscious need of nurses not purely explained by logic. Educators will be most able to promote changes in practice by incorporating the meaning of ritual in educational programs through discussing issues and interacting with nurses on an individual basis as they master new practice techniques. It is essential that educators become one with the environments of nurses so an understanding of context and values can impact educational strategy and reform nursing practice.