Miracles take a little longer: Project 2000 and the health-promoting nurse

This paper suggests that the new paradigm for nurse education is being prevented from fulfilling itself because of factors operating within the taught, hidden and wider curriculum. Firstly it is argued that the theoretical components relating to social science, health education/promotion and nursing need to be clearly integrated for nursing students. This integration is demonstrated through the analysis of two nursing models. Secondly it is argued that the taught curriculum needs to be supported by a suitable hidden curriculum both within the educational and clinical setting. Role models which demonstrate integrated theory occurring in practice are a vital component of this. Thirdly it is argued that without the wider social and political context supporting the aims of the ‘new’ nurse education, meaningful success will be very difficult to achieve.