Introduction

Abstract

Clinical teaching is the most vital part of nursing instruction. It is during work with patients that the student develops her understanding of relevant theory and begins to recognize the problems and rewards inherent in nursing practice. During clinical work, particularly, the student becomes aware of her reactions to patients and ways in which these reactions affect the care she gives. During her clinical practice the essential unity of nursing can become clear to the student through a variety of nursing situations. In each new setting, and with each new category of patients, her attention is focused at first on the differences; for example, the difference between bathing an infant and bathing an adult. But as the student moves from one clinical area to another, she discovers the unity or common core of functioning with patients and families which characterizes nursing. Promoting comfort, assisting with various therapies, helping the patient to understand what is happening to him and how he can help himself, and sustaining him during his experience—these are all aspects of nursing wherever it is practiced.