Introduction
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Influences on Health and Health Care Delivery
Historical Influences on Health Practices
Socioeconomic Influences on Health Practices
Scientific Influences on Health Practices
Industrial and Environmental Influences on Disease and Health Practices
U.S. Government Influence on Health Practices
International Governmental Influence on Health Practice
Nursing Influence on Health and Health Care
Changes in Health Care Perspectives
Summary
Chapter 2: The Health Care Delivery System in the United States
The Current Health Care Delivery System
Venues of Health Care Delivery
Targeted Recipients of Health Care
Major Concerns Associated with Health Care Delivery Today
Policies Enforced in Health Care Delivery
Health Care Professionals
Summary
Chapter 3: The Nursing Profession
Why Do You Want to Be a Nurse?
Defining and Describing Nursing
Nurse Theorists and Theories
Characteristic (Desirable) Traits of Nursing
Nursing Is a Profession of Blended Skills
Evolution of Nursing as a Profession
Nursing Is Accountable to Professional Standards
Preparing Nurses (Education)
Arenas of Nursing Practice
Goals of Nursing
Summary
Chapter 4: The Nursing Process
Unique, Defining Components of the Nursing Process
Patient-Centered Goals
Nursing Interventions
Evaluation
Formats for Nursing Care Plans
Communication
Documentation
Summary
Chapter 5: Ethical and Legal Basis of Nursing Practice
Ethics and the Valuing Process
Protective Laws in Nurse Practice Acts
Common Causes for Liability in Nursing Practice
Informatics
Summary
Chapter 6: Evidence-Based Practice
Accountability to Patients
Practice Based on Research
Types of Research
Research Design Flow Chart
Summary
Chapter 7: Realms of Nursing Practice
Realms of Nursing Practice
Health Promotion in Nursing
Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Safety
Stress Management
Grief and Loss
Nursing Wellness and Self-care
Nursing in Crisis
Summary
Index