Student's ability to write well and to think critically is essential for both academic success and future employment. For these reasons staff have been concerned to improve the quality of student writing in the School of Nursing.. A series of lectures on thinking and writing was therefore introduced into Nursing 1 three years ago. This paper outlines the aims of the program and how it evolved as well as discussing the benefits and difficulties that were experienced in implementing it. Staff and student evaluations of the program are discussed along with recommendations for changes