The meaning of reflection for understanding caring and becoming a caring nurse.

Instruction in caring theories and participation in reflection groups, with reflection grounded in caring theory, has a key function in facilitating students' development of a language for caring in nursing and appropriation of caring theory. The appropriation of caring theory provides a foundation for the nurse students to see themselves within a broader perspective and is important for mutual support in the professional formation of becoming a caring nurse. The expected outcome of such integration is a nursing curriculum that progressively supports the development of nursing students professionally and personally in the formation of becoming a caring nurses.