title: Using action research within a school of nursing: exposing tensions in ideologies.
abstract: This paper examines and critically reflects on a recent curriculum evaluation that took place in 1999 within a school of nursing. Critical theory, and in particular action research, was chosen as an approach for the research. The method aimed to foster participation and reveal and problematise aspects of nursing education which had become taken for granted. Through the process of action research a number of tensions and challenges were revealed. The exposed tensions and challenges are discussed and reframed so that they offer potential for renewed commitment to nursing education, rather than continued constraint and conformity.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McAllister
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stockhausen
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000592:standards*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015402:Nursing Education Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000592:standards; D011793:Queensland; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D012579:Schools, Nursing; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*