This study presents a chronicle of the change process involved in
the implementation of systematic nursing in two hospitals in India.
The theoretical foundation of the study is drawn from systems theory
and planned change theory. Action research methods were employed and
the study was conducted in phases. An exploratory study was under¬
taken involving participant observation and unstructured interviews.
The existing system of nursing practice was found to be traditional,
task-oriented and ritualistic. Preparations for change, including a
teaching programme, were carried out over a three month period, and
data collecting tools were developed. Two male medical and surgical
and three female medical and surgical wards (altogether five wards)
were involved in the study. A period of six months was spent on the
implementation of systematic nursing. The nurse managers, educators,
ward sisters, trained nurses and general nursing students were
involved in the change process.The study suggesued . that a model of planned change was necess¬
ary in order to implement systematic nursing. It was concluded that
an education programme is necessary to prepare nurses to participate
in such a change process. The managerial support and involvement of
all those who were concerned with the change was deemed essential.
Implications arising from the present study for the development of
systematic nursing in research, nursing education and practice are
outlined
