Effective English language training for nurses: A needs analysis from an ESP perspective

Abstract

This chapter aims to propose a Needs Analysis (NA) of nursing students at São João de Deus Nursing School (SJDNS), Universidade de Évora (UÉvora), Portugal. In that university's English for Specific Purposes (ESP) context, the course objectives differ significantly from those of general English language instruction. English Language is a third-year elective subject, and as such, not all students choose to take that course, although the importance of English to their future careers is recognised. The elective subject offered to nursing students at UÉvora is based on their future professional needs, focusing on the use of English for healthcare.