Using an approach that fosters critical thinking and values clarification, this textbook examines the full range of professional issues facing contemporary nursing. Coverage includes critical issues such as the nursing shortage, mandatory staffing ratios, violence in nursing, legal and ethical issues, plus the latest HIPAA regulations, career advancement and evaluations, and best practices for today and the future. This edition includes two NEW chapters:  1) a NEW chapter on developing effective leaders to meet 21st century healthcare challenges, and 2) a NEW chapter on the use of residencies for new graduate nurses as a transition to practice.  In addition to these exciting additions, content has been updated throughout the book to reflect cutting-edge trends in healthcare including the impact of healthcare reform, and recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (IOM). This edition promises to be an integral tool to providing effective nursing care in an increasingly global, rapidly changing, technology driven world.   

I. Furthering the Profession

Chapter 1- Entry into Practice: The Debate Rages On

Chapter 2- Evidence Based Practice  

Chapter 3-  21st Century Leadership Challenges for Nurses

Chapter 4- Using Simulation to Teach Nurses  

II. Workforce Issues

Chapter 5 –The Current Nursing Shortage- Causes, Consequences, and Solutions  

Chapter 6- Importing Foreign Nurses 

Chapter 7- Unlicensed Assistive Personnel and the Registered Nurse  

Chapter 8- Socialization and Mentoring  

Chapter 9- Diversity in the Nursing Workforce  

Chapter 10- Residencies for New Graduate Nurses As a Transition to Practice

III. Workplace Issues

Chapter 11- Mandatory Minimum Staffing Ratios: Are They Working?

Chapter 12- Mandatory Overtime in Nursing: How Much?  How Often?  

Chapter 13- Violence in Nursing: The Expectations and the Reality  

Chapter 14- Technology in the Health Care Workplace: Benefits, Limitations, and Challenges  

Chapter 15- Medical Errors: An Ongoing Threat to Quality Health Care  

IV. Legal and Ethical Issues

Chapter 16- Whistleblowing in Nursing Chapter 17- Impaired Nursing Practice – What Are We Doing About It?  

Chapter 18- Collective Bargaining and the Professional Nurse  

Chapter 19- Assuring Provider Competency through Licensure, Continuing Education, and Certification  

V. Professional Power

Chapter 20- The Nursing Profession’s Historic Struggle to Increase Its Power Base  

Chapter 21- Professional Identity and Image  

Chapter 22- Advanced Practice Nursing: Challenges of Role Definition, Recognition, and Reimbursement  

Chapter 23- Nursing and Public Policy: The Need for Healthcare Reform  

Chapter 24- Nursing’s Professional Associations