Practice write-ups:an assessment instrument that contributes to bridging the differences between theory and practice for student nurses through the development of core skills

Nurse education currently faces two major challenges. The first involves deciding the best way to increase the skill level of practitioners and the second involves determining how this can be achieved within a culture of lifetime learning. Each of these challenges needs to be confronted as early as possible and preferably at undergraduate level. Practice write-ups (PWUs) enable students to demonstrate competence in a range of core nursing skills. Although PWUs are essentially an assessment instrument, they are underlined by an educational commitment to encourage students to be reflective in their practice. In doing so students should be able to question existing strategies for implementing care and decide whether care is appropriate and contributing to the well-being of the patient.