The previous knowledge which nursing students have about intensive care and critically ill patients were identified by a pre-test. The study revealed also the student's expectations for the teaching unit dealing with the nursing care of patients in the intensive care unit. The data showed that the students' knowledges and expectations are intermixed with prejudices owing to stigmata usually attached to the themes. The study provided bases for the replanning of the teaching, taking into account the students' expectations.
Intensive care unit; Critically ill patients; Nursing education; Baccalaureat nursing program