Includes bibliographical references and index

Nursing today / Kay Kittrell Chitty -- The history and social context of nursing / Beth Perry Black -- Nursing's pathway to professionalism / Kay Kittrell Chitty -- Legal aspects of nursing / Beth Perry Black -- Ethics : basic concepts for nursing practice / Beth Perry Black -- Becoming a nurse: defining nursing and socialization into professional practice / Beth Perry Black -- The education of nurses / Kay Kittrell Chitty -- Critical thinking, the nursing process, and clinical judgment / Beth Perry Black -- Communication and collaboration in nursing / Kay Kittrell Chitty -- Illness, culture, and caring : impact on patients, families, and nurses / Kay Kittrell Chitty -- The science of nursing and evidence-based practice / Beth Perry Black -- Conceptual and philosophical bases of nursing / Kay Kittrell Chitty -- Nursing theory : the basis for professional nursing / Beth Perry Black -- The health care delivery system / Kay Kittrell Chitty -- The political activism of nursing : in organizations and government / Beth Perry Black -- Nursing's future challenges / Kay Kittrell Chitty

"Discover what it means to be a "professional nurse"--The history, the values and standards, the critical thinking requirements, and the commitment to lifelong learning! This easy-to-read text introduces the issues you are likely to encounter as you advance through your nursing career. Gain insight into the current state of the profession and benefit from a thorough examination of standards and scope of practice. Each stand-alone chapter introduces and explores a specific topic and offers astute discussions of key issues facing health care professionals."--Jacket