ABSTRACT
Patient education forms an integral component of the role of the nurse in the coronary care unit (CCU). Patients entering the CCU have cardiac disorders that are often life-threatening and this means that they are well disposed to receive education that may improve their chances of living a long and healthy life. Admission to the unit is in itself stressful and patients require orientation and an explanation of what is happening. The provision of education to cardiac patients is thought to reduce stress, aid understanding of their condition and to improve compliance with treatment.
