Introduction to the Second Edition
Nursing is considered both a science and an art. As a result, it requires a specialized body of knowledge and specific technical skills to provide care for individuals in various states of wellness and illness. Nursing care takes place in many settings: Hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care, health departments, community clinics, schools, and corrections facilities – just to name a few. Nurses are constantly on the frontlines of healthcare, caring for people every day.
Nursing has been voted the most trusted profession for the past 20 years (Saad, 2022). The public is most aware of the caring component especially in the aftermath of the pandemic; however, another side is often overlooked – science. Healthcare is based on a solid foundation in the natural and social sciences. Nurses must be able to blend scientific principles from biology, psychology, and sociology with practice standards and “an insightful and compassionate approach to patient care” (Potter, et al., 2023, p.1). A competent nurse also masters the art of nursing which encompasses emotional intelligence, empathy, and critical thinking.
This open textbook will help students:
Topics progress from the history of nursing to the role of the professional nurse within modern healthcare settings. Content areas include:
Subject matter is supported by evidence-based nursing research, professional standards, Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competencies (QSEN, 2022), online resources, and nursing textbooks. The authors are grateful that the first edition was awarded the 2022 Merlot Health Sciences Classic and trust that this edition will continue to help students become confident in their understanding of the nursing profession.
Chapter One: Influences on Contemporary Nursing Practice
Historical Influences on Nursing Practice
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Contemporary Influences on Nursing Practice
Theoretical Influences on Nursing Practice
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Chapter Two: Professional Identity and Nurse Self-Care
Professional Identity within the Nursing Profession
Nurse Self-Care
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Chapter Three: Legal and Ethical Considerations
Legal Considerations
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Ethical Considerations
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Chapter Four: Evidence-Based Practice, Safety, and Quality Improvement
Evidence-Based Practice
Safety
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Quality Improvement
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Chapter Five: Cultural Considerations and the Art and Science of Patient-Centered Caring
Cultural Considerations
The Art and Science of Patient-Centered Caring
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Chapter Six: Healthcare Systems, Organizations, and Informatics
Healthcare Systems and Organizations
iii. Exemplars
Chapter Seven: Collaboration and Teamwork
Collaboration
Teamwork
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Chapter Eight: Educational Preparation, Licensure and Certification Requirements, and Professional Organizations |
Licensure and Certification Requirements
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Professional Organizations
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Dedication
To our students who are the future of nursing. May you thrive in your work, learn from patients every day, and have a long and satisfying career.
The authors thank Lisa Jellum, Dean of Health Sciences at Georgia Highlands College (GHC) for her passion for high-quality education and open resources. She is a champion for students and faculty.
Julius Fleschner, Dean of Libraries & Testing at GHC for his work on the first edition of this open resource. He facilitated resource retrieval and ensured the content was publishable online. His upbeat charm and great ideas made this project enjoyable and sustainable.
The team is grateful that the first edition was awarded the 2022 Health Sciences Classic award by Merlot. We thank Dr. Michelle Boyce for her vision and guidance for supporting the first edition.