Out of necessity nursing, as a profession, reflects the qualities of the culture in which it exists. In our culture for the past quarter of a century nursing has been assailed with rapid economic, technological, shortage- abundance, changing scenes' vicissitudes. In the individual nurse these arouse turmoil and uncertainty. These cultural stirrings inflame that part of the nurse's spirit capable of chaotic conflict and doubt. Often she questions her professional identity. ''Just what is a nurse?" Her nurse colleagues, other professionals, and nonprofessionals freely, directly and indirectly-on television, in the theater, through the news media and the literature-pummel her with their multitudinous varied views.

Nursing is placed within a humanistic framework in Paterson and Zderad's theory, which defines nursing as a nurturing response aimed at well-being. Three constructs of nursing, which describe the why and how of nursing practice, are identified: `comfort', `clinical' and `all-at-once'. In this volume, O'Connor explores the origin of the theory and its underlying assumptions. She also examines the major concepts of the metaparadigm of nursing, including the nursing process.

Pioneering Theories in Nursing traces the origins of nursing theories through their founders. Unlike other nursing theory texts, this book provides the personal story on some of the greatest nursing leaders, clinicians and theorists to date so the reader can understand the context within which the nursing pioneer developed their theory. It will attempt to explain the theories and practice of nursing and provide food for thought for students and practitioners, encouraging reflective thinking. Each section begins with an overview of the chapters and identifies common themes. Designed to be highly user-friendly, each chapter follows a standard structure with a short biography, a summary on their special interests and an outline of their writings before each theory is examined in detail. The chapter then looks at instances of how this theory has been put into practice and what influence this process has had on the wider nursing community. Further links to other theorists are provided as well as key dates in the life of the theorists and a brief profile.

This text guides you through the evolution of nursing's theoretical foundations and examines the ways in which these principles influence the practice of the discipline."--Jacket.

A new and updated version of this best-selling resource! Jones and Bartlett Publisher's 2011 Nurse's Drug Handbook is the most up-to-date, practical, and easy-to-use nursing drug reference! It provides: Accurate, timely facts on hundreds of drugs from abacavir sulfate to Zyvox; Concise, consistently formatted drug entries organized alphabetically; No-nonsense writing style that speaks your language in terms you use everyday; Index of all generic, trade, and alternate drug names for quick reference. It has all the vital information you need at your fingertips: Chemical and therapeutic classes, FDA pregnancy risk category and controlled substance schedule; Indications and dosages, as well as route, onset, peak, and duration information; Incompatibilities, contraindications; interactions with drugs, food, and activities, and adverse reactions; Nursing considerations, including key patient-teaching points; Vital features include mechanism-of-action illustrations showing how drugs at the cellular, tissue, or organ levels and dosage adjustments help individualize care for elderly patients, patients with renal impairment, and others with special needs; Warnings and precautions that keep you informed and alert.

Nursing involves caring for the whole person, and taking care of both physical and psychosocial needs. This book aims to help the reader to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to care for the whole person and to ensure the patient is at the centre of the care-giving experience. The book considers different aspects of therapeutic nursing care and explains how you can make the most of opportunities to nurse the whole person. Key topics covered include: Understanding the personal experience of illness Communication and listening skills Developing nurse–patient relationships Psychosocial assessment skills Using psychotherapeutic approaches Since it is common for those who are physically ill to feel psychologically vulnerable, the book also has chapters exploring how to care for patients who are anxious, depressed, psychotic or display challenging behaviours. All chapters include case studies and personal stories of illness to help illustrate the range of practice opportunities for improving your nursing care of the whole person. An essential read for all nurses looking to hone their craft and for those preparing to qualify who want a deeper understanding of the true art of nursing.