Back in the 1800s, most nurses in the UK had little or no knowledge of hygiene. They often had to nurse patients in dirty conditions in hospitals that were so filthy that people were more likely to die in them than be cured.

Florence Nightingale initiated a major change in nursing, and at this time nursing education was launched in all hospitals following the introduction of new laws and the establishment of hospital boards.

Today, it amazes us to think that people were so unaware of basic standards of hygiene. However, it took several years for hygiene levels in most hospitals to rise to acceptable standards. Nursing education was the catalyst for the introduction of and adherence to the new hygiene standards.

A major milestone was reached when it was agreed that all nurses should receive formal training. However today's nursing students would hardly recognise the nursing education a hundred years ago compared with present teaching methods.

Students now receive the majority of their education in a university although they do have to complete work experience placements in hospitals. However, they are quite restricted on what they are authorized to do on the wards. Their lecturers are keen to make sure they are not just used to carry out all the menial tasks and to ensure they continue with their nursing education

It is essential for a newly qualified nurse to receive a good nursing education to equip her to work in an acute area in the hospital. A new nurse needs to know the basics thoroughly or they will have real problems coping with life and work in a hospital.

It is also essential for auxiliary nurses nursing assistants to receive sound training in the basics of good nursing and care. They need to learn how to move, communicate with people and how to wash them. These are not inherent skills - but have to be learned.

Today it is the responsibility of any competent ward manager to ensure that all staff are receiving a continuous nursing education. This will ensure that they can be confident that all patients under their care are being cared for by knowledgeable, well-motivated staff.