Profiel van afstandsonderrigstudente in die verpleegkunde aan 'n residensiële universiteit

M.Cur. (Professional Nursing)Nursing as a humanistic profession has a responsibility to train expert practitioners with a responsibility towards the community. A variety of factors necessitate the cooperation between distance education an~ contact education. Some residential universities are planning, or are involved in, the presentation of courses through distance education. For the purpose of this study, a descriptive contextual investigation was undertaken of the profile of distance learning nursing students; and with a view to provide guidelines to residential universities for .the preparation and presentation of distance education courses. Relevant literature pertaining to distance education and contact education was studied and the Nursing for the Whole Person Theory as 'Nell as Holmberg's theory on guided didactic discussion formed the basis for compiling a conceptual framework for this study. A questionnaire was handed out to distance learning respondents at an Institute for Nursing and findings were obtained from them. It appears that the older, more adult person who has job and household responsibilities, is involved in distance education. It also appears that guidance by the tutor, especially by indirect means through the use of stUdy guides and assignments, is important. Supporting services, such as student counselling and accessible libraries, are needed. A variety of support groups can either have a positive or negative influence on the student's motivation level as well as success in her studies. Closer contact between educational institution and employer is recommended. All the facilities which are conducive to the studenfs learning should be functional and supportive guidance by the tutor, especially through indirect contact, is important for the student's success and motivation level. In the recommendations and guidelines possible solutions to problems are suggested. This accommodates the conceptual framework for interaction between the tutor, system and student to facilitate positive patterns of interaction between student's internal and external environment. A responsible, expert and independent practitioner can thus develop