Illiteracy: implications for nursing education

Possession of an internally consistent body of knowledge from which principles and practice can be derived is the pre-eminent characteristic of professional groups. Active, enquiring minds are required as nursing struggles to develop such a base. Yet, recent evidence, such as the 1992 report of the Economic Council of Canada, suggests a pervasive decline in basic language competencies. The illiteracy of candidates entering professional schools of nursing is creating problems for students, faculty and the profession, with ramifications for public safety and professional growth. This article describes problems and proposes action that can, and must, be taken to remedy the situation.