The library information day at the Wolfson school of nursing: An appraisal

Abstract

available for children and families of students during the residential school. The lecturers to the course must be part of an academic institution of standing and the course validated by an acceptable body, so that it is seen by both nursing and other professions to be acceptable and of a standard comparable to other full-time diploma courses. It would seem essential that students are taught by friendly staff who understand the problems of distance learning, and that the introductory information gives adequate guidance to the family as well as to the student. The disadvantage of isolation can be overcome by residential and weekend schools, study groups and study centres, visits from lecturing and administrative staff, and by the use of 'home tutors' to whom guidance has been given. The advantages of a comparatively [ow cost and of the integration of theory and practice can outweigh the disadvantage of isolation if proper preparation is made and if the course units are stimulating and relevant. I hope I have made my opinion clear that not only would distance teaching be cost-effective but it would also bring further education within the reach of many nurses who cannot, for a variety of reasons, attend an appropriate college on a regular basis. This system would therefore bring continuing education to those nurses who wish to update their knowledge while remaining in the clinical situation, and those who might wish to teach if they could obtain the necessary qualifications.