Abstract
The locus of this paper is an exploration of the implications for curriculum planning of adopting the nursing process; which, it is suggested, represents the most far‐reaching innovation in British nursing of recent years. An examination of the abilities required by nurses in order for them to deliver care in this way shows that to encompass the philosophy of the nursing process, fundamental changes need to be made in the way nurses are prepared in schools of nursing. In particular, to those elements of the curriculum dealing with content and teaching methods.