HEALTH PROMOTION - PERCEPTIONS OF PROJECT-2000 EDUCATED NURSES

The new approach to pre-registration nursing education in the UK (Proj ect 2000) has an overt health focus as well as a specific remit to pre pare nurses for a role as promoters of health. Data reported in this p aper illuminate Project 2000 students' understanding of the concepts o f health promotion and health education, and indicate the extent to wh ich qualified nurses who have completed this new Project 2000 programm e perceive themselves to be prepared for a health promotion role. Find ings indicate that students are confused about the terms health educat ion and health promotion, although most feel there is a distinction be tween the two, Students' descriptions emphasize individualistic approa ches, and lifestyle and behaviour changes. Many recognize that health promotion should have a broader application and demonstrate a sophisti cated grasp of the philosophy underpinning the promotion of health thr ough their general perceptions of nursing. This understanding is not l abelled health education or health promotion, but is embedded in their articulation of concepts such as holism, patient-centred care and enh ancing independence. Paradoxically, both students and Project 2000 qua lified nurses (diplomates) illustrate a clear grasp of the more comple x issues surrounding the concept of health promotion while remaining c onfused by the terminology and its relationship to practice.