Theory and practice gap, extended nursing role, clinical education and service outcomes are the hot topics in nursing profession. In this issue, we have collected articles discussing each of these concerns.
The theory and practice gap in nursing has long been a concern for both nurse educators and clinicians. Separate discussion of theory and practice in nursing would not allow the full understanding of its indivisible relationship. Ms Kong in her reflection paper, through the use of the 'Chang Tzu Fable', illustrates the significance of the integration of theory and practice in nursing.
The role of nurses in health promotion, is an extension to their roles in disease prevention and clinical nursing care. Ms Cao in her article summarizes the development of child health in China, covering the aspects of health promotion, disease prevention and rehabilitation in hospitals as well as the community.
Caring people of different cultures has always been a challenge for nurses. Dr Sarla SETHI and colleagues' study points out the new immigrants' conflicts between retaining their traditional values in child-rearing practices and adopting new ways of life in Canada. It is essential that the health care professionals become culturally sensitive to provide relevant care to people of different backgrounds.
Quality clinical education is vital to the development of students as professional nurses. Dr Chow and Ms Suen report on the development and effectiveness of a mentoring program in students' clinical learning. This study highlights the importance of collaboration between universities and hospitals in educating and preparing future nurses.
It is the mission of the nursing profession to deliver quality service to the patients, but our service delivered might not be recognized by our patients. The study by Ms Lai and colleagues find that nursing work is 'silent' and not easily visible to patients. How to render our work more visible without compromising our basic nursing value is indeed our challenge ahead.
Alice Jean Tak YUEN LOKE
Celsia Kuen Oi CHEUNG
Fan Siu Fong WONG
Issue Editors