Planning for continuity of carer in nursing.

The introduction of primary nursing and the named nurse reflects a growing recognition of the importance of continuity of carer in nursing rather than simply continuity of care. Continuity of carer is fundamental to the development of therapeutic inter-personal relationships with patients. Hospital nursing, however, provides a 24-hour service and therefore continuity of carer must be maintained within a system of nurse substitution. This paper identifies some of the organizational tensions experienced by nurses attempting to promote continuity of carer within a nursing development unit that is simultaneously striving to offer nurses personal development opportunities.