Nursing education in China: Past, present and future

Background The development of nursing education in China is closely tied with the country's wider context, including the social, political and economic environment. Evaluation The source of information includes published materials accessible to the public and the authors' knowledge as content experts of the nursing situation in China. Key issues Nursing in China is developing rapidly particularly in the last decade in quantity and quality terms. The education development of nursing is in line with the service development which aims at client-centred care adopting a holistic approach caring for clients at the preventive, curative and rehabilitative levels. Conclusions Nursing education in China, both at the pre-registration and post-registration level, plays a key role in building a strong team of nurses to fulfil the health mission of the country. Implications for nursing management Managers in nursing education need to continuously revise the curriculum to produce nurses who meet societal needs at present and for the future. At the same time, nurse managers in the service need to make best use of these nursing talents according to the nurses' competence and educational levels.