Professional nursing : concepts and challenges

A thorough introduction to nursing as a profession, this 4th edition updates an always-popular text. The book starts with the history of nursing and its coming of age, and goes on to discuss professional socialization. Written by Kay Chitty along with other expert contributors, it examines the theories surrounding the profession - including role definition, major concepts in the field, finance, culture, the health care delivery system, and the challenges facing nurses in the future.

Chapter 1 Professional Nursing Comes of Age: 1859-2004 Chapter 2 Educational Patterns in Nursing Chapter 3 The Social Context for Nursing Chapter 4 Professional Associations Chapter 5 Nursing Today Chapter 6 The Professionalization of Nursing Chapter 7 Defining Nursing and Nursing's Scope of Practice Chapter 8 Professional Socialization Chapter 9 Philosophies of Nursing Chapter 10 Major Concepts in Nursing Chapter 11 Nursing Theory: The Basis for Professional Nursing Chapter 12 The Scientific Method, Nursing Research, and Evidence-Based Practice Chapter 13 The Health Care Delivery System Chapter 14 Nursing Roles in the Health Care Delivery System Chapter 15 Critical Thinking, The Nursing Process, and Clinical Judgement Chapter 16 Financing Health Care Chapter 17 Illness and Culture: Impact on Patients, Families, and Nurses Chapter 18 Communication and Collaboration in Nursing Chapter 19 Nursing Ethics Chapter 20 Legal Aspects of Nursing Chapter 21 Nurses and Political Action Chapter 22 Nursing's Future Challenges Appendix A The Code of Ethics for Nurses Appendix B Sample Critical Path for Heart Failure Appendix C State Boards of Nursing Appendix D NANDA-Approved Nursing Diagnoses 2003-2004 Glossary