Student nurses' perceptions of alternative and allopathic medicine.

This exploratory study of student nurses is based on the results of the responses to one question on an open-ended questionnaire: How would you define the relationship between alternative medicine and allopathic (conventional) medicine? A specific goal of the study was to find out how the surveyed respondents conceptualized the relationship between allopathic and alternative medicine. Three themes were identified: (a) "They are not at all alike," (b) "The two can or should be used together," and (c) "Those who practice alternative medicine and those who practice allopathic do not get along very well." The discussion suggests some reasons for these perceptions and considers some implications for future health care.

Student nurses' use and perceptions of alternative medicine: an exploratory study.

This exploratory study is based on the results of an open-ended questionnaire administered to nursing students to assess their reactions to, use of, attitudes towards, and acceptance of alternative medicine. Acceptance of alternative therapies by nursing students could influence the future use of such therapies within health care. Consistent with the findings of studies with graduate nurses, high usage rates and qualified acceptance of alternative medicine were found among the sample of nursing students.