Adolescents as reflective practitioners: implications for nurse education

Comparatively little consideration has been given to the effects of adolescence on the individual and his or her subsequent ability to care for and meet the needs of others. This paper examines the potential for psychosocial crises during the critical period of adolescence and questions whether or not some young people are able to divorce themselves sufficiently enough from their 'inner turmoil', to effectively meet the demands of nursing and negotiate a curriculum which emphasizes reflective practice. In conclusion, it proposes that further consideration be given to the support of young people in both educational and clinical situations, as not only a means for minimizing the potential for stress and confusion, but also helping to reduce the loss of young people from the nursing profession.