Nursing in Contemporary Society : Issues, Trends and Transition to Practice

Blending a critical look at contemporary issues and trends with practical application, Nursing in Contemporary Society covers the broad spectrum of issues present in today's nursing environment and presents practical approaches designed to facilitate the transition into nursing practice. Topics build a foundation for success and continued learning through discussions of the evolution of nursing; current trends influencing practice; economic, political, and legal changes; and more. An emphasis on the unique role of the nurse within the health care environment allows readers to fully understand their role in the promotion of health and well being. This is an essential preparation resource for everyone entering the nursing practice. Features bull; bull;Learning Objectives at the beginning of each chapter highlight key features for focused learning. bull;Figures and Tables throughout offer visual interpretations of the content, issues, and trends. bull;Critical Thinking and Reflection features throughout each chapter raise discussion on important issues. bull;Transition to Practice feature in each chapter emphasizes how issues and trends affect the transition from the educational setting to the professional setting. bull;Research Applications highlight evidence-based thinking. bull;Key Points at the end of every chapter summarize key concepts. bull;Suggested Reading section provides additional resources for review or expanded learning.

The intent of this textbook is to provide both a comprehensive review of current trends and issues in nursing and a synthesis of practical approaches to facilitate the nursing students' transition from the educational environment to a rewarding career as a professional nurse. Change is occurring at an ever-accelerating pace in health care. As students are prepared to enter professional practice in the Third Millennium, it is essential that they are made aware of the most relevant and current issues and trends affecting professional nursing practice. The content in this textbook is an evidenced-based blend of critical contemporary issues and trends with practical application developed using the framework ofThe Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice,published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in 1998. The Essentials document provides direction for the educational preparation of professional nurses in the twenty-first century. Using theEssentialsdocument, as a guide,Nursing in Contemporary Society: Issues, Trends and Transition into Practicecombines contemporary approaches to issues, trends, and the transition to practice with a vision for future health care and market place consumer demands. Concepts are illustrated and made relevant by transition into practice-based examples.The inspiration for writing this book comes from years of teaching issues, trends, professional roles, responsibilities, and critical decision-making as part of the education and preparation of baccalaureate graduate nurses. These experiences have led to the conclusion that a comprehensive, transition into practice-based textbook for baccalaureate graduates is needed which will integrate the importance of accountability, responsibility, and critical decision-making with an understanding of contemporary issues, trends, and transition into practice concerns for fixture nurses.The primary goals ofNursing in Contemporary Society: Issues, Trends, and Transitioninto Practice are therefore twofold: to clearly review current trends and issues in nursing and health care and to present a synthesis of practical approaches designed to facilitate the transition into professional practice. This textbook aids in building a foundation for students to become lifelong learners who maintain an ongoing understanding of contemporary health care concerns. Furthermore, the book will serve as a reference for new graduates and experienced nurses who seek to be informed regarding the most current issues and trends facing the nursing discipline.We have enhanced the content by assembling a cast of distinguished nurse scholars and leaders who have expertise and are passionate about the specific issues and topics addressed in this book. The content is organized into six major units. Unit 1, Evolution and Context for Professional Nursing Practice, provides an overview of the evolution of the image, education, knowledge, and professional organizations of nurses. Unit 2 focuses on the professional values and core competencies described in AACN'sEssentialsdocument and includes chapters on professional values in ethical practice, caring, reflective clinical reasoning, technology, and developing and maintaining competence. Unit 3 describes the current trends impacting nursing practice, which include cultural diversity, spiritual care, evidence-based practice, health promotion, and complementary and alternative therapeutic modalities. Major changes occurring in the health care delivery system from an economic, political, and legal perspective are covered in Unit 4. The content in Unit 5 places emphasis on the nursing student's transition into professional nursing practice. Chapters focus on obtaining professional employment, licensure, issues which impact the transition from student to employee, and strategies for coping with employment-related stress. Issues concerning advanced