Nursing Now!: Today's Issues, Tomorrow's Trends » (5th Edition)

Joseph T. Catalano, RN, PhD, CCRN, Department Chair, Professor of Nursing, East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma

This textbook explores the issues and trends that are central to the career of professional nursing. Topics of the 22 chapters include the evolution of licensing, models of nursing, the education process, ethical dilemmas, communication, and cultural diversity. The third edition adds chapters on the principles of leadership and management, delegation and supervision in nursing, and historical perspectives. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Vicki Ann Moss, DNSc, MS, BSN, RN(University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh)
Description:This is an interactive text that includes a journal-type layout, current issue boxes, and integrated questions which focus on the major trends in nursing. Chapters are short and easy to read with cartoons and color pictures interspersed among the narrative. Each chapter includes learning objectives and concludes with critical thinking exercises related to the chapter material.
Purpose:The purpose of this book according to the author is to present "an overview and synthesis of the important issues and trends that are basic to the development of professional nursing and affect nursing both today and into the future", (p. vii).
Audience:This book is intended for undergraduate student nurses for use in an "Introduction to Nursing" course or for an "Issues and Trends" course. Practicing nurses have also reported it useful in their practice.
Features:This book consists of 24 chapters divided into four units: The Growth of Nursing, Making the Transition to Professional, Leading and Managing, and Issues in Delivering Care. Two new chapters have been added to this edition. Chapter 22 "Developments in Current Nursing Practice" discusses new practice roles. Chapter 23, "Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice," discusses key issues in nursing research. The NCLEX exam material has been revised to reflect changes with the exam, and the test-taking skills section has been expanded into its own chapter. An interactive Web site with learning activities is also available to students.
Assessment:The book includes very practical and timely information in a manner that is conducive to student reading levels. Each chapter could stand-alone and be interspersed in various courses across a nursing curriculum. It is very colorful and eye-catching with case studies related to issues in practice, a very complete glossary, and an Appendix listing the major specialty nursing organizations with mailing and E-mail addresses and phone numbers. It would be a great addition to any student's collection.

1. The Development of the Profession

2. History

3. The Evolution of Licensure, Certification, and Nursing Organizations

4. Theories and Models of Nursing

5. The Process of Educating Nurses

6. Critical Thinking

Unit 2: Making the Transition to Professional

7. Ethics

8. Bioethical Issues

9. Nursing Law and Liability

10. NCLEX: What You Need to Know

11. Reality Shock in the Workplace

Unit 3: Leadership and Management

12. Principles of Leadership and Management

13. Effective Communication

14. Delegation and Supervision

15. Collective Bargaining and Governance

16. The Politically Active Nurse

Unit 4: Issues in Delivering Care

17. The Healthcare Delivery System

18. Spirituality and Healthcare

19. Nursing Informatics

20. Forensic Nursing: An Emerging Specialty