The problem of self-assessment in nurse education

Nurse education is expected to fulfil twofunctions: the facilitation of individual personal development and professional selection. The need to produce competent nurses compromises the facilitation of personal development. This is reflected in the minor role assigned to self-assessment in preregistration nurse education. The problematic nature of self-assessment in nurse education is illustrated through a discussion of three issues: self-assessment and power, self-assessment and stereotyping and self-assessment and context.