An acute hospital ward, densely populated with students during a 12-week clinical study period.

This article presents some thoughts and ideas about a different way to organize clinical studies for nursing students. The model involved a large group (12 to 15) of third-year nursing students taking their 12-week clinical study period on the same acute geriatric hospital ward. Difficulties with finding enough clinical study venues, together with a belief in peer learning and situated learning as important for learning, were the main reasons for trying out a model with many students doing clinical studies on the same ward.

A philosophical analysis of the concept empowerment; the fundament of an education-programme to the frail elderly.

The word 'empowerment' has become a popular term, widely used as an important claim, also within the health services. In this paper the concept's philosophical roots are traced from Freire and his 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed' to the philosophical thoughts of Hegel, Habermas, and Sartre. An understanding of the concept, as a way to facilitate coping and well-being in patients through reflection and dialogue, emerges.