[To teach and to help the students to open up]

Nursing education in Canada is undergoing fundamental change. This will have profound effects on the new graduates' approach to practice. Currently, the greatest challenge for nurse educators is not only to develop nurses who can effectively work in a health care setting, but to prepare nurses who have the knowledge, strength and will to transform the health care system. The author reminds us that past educational practices, developed for the needs of men, had a negative impact on nursing education. This educational method neither encouraged dialogue nor the development of critical decision-making skills. The masculine model, with its rational/empirical focus, is still currently used in nursing research and practice. This model still exists even though nurses do not always face straightforward situations requiring "black or white" answers. The author maintains that nurse educators should review the traditional teaching methods and replace them with practices that humanize nursing care and encourage critical thinking. From this will emerge a renewed sense of dignity, empowerment, hope and independence both for the nurse and the patient.