"Discover what it means to be a professional nurse--the history, values and standards, and commitment to lifelong learning. This easy-to-read text helps you gain insight into the current state of the profession and benefit from a thorough examination of standards and scope of practice, with new information on interprofessional education and practice, nursing roles, COVID-19, the surge in ambulatory and community care, bullying, gender issues, and more. Outstanding features include: Expanded coverage of clinical judgement helps you develop the critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills required for the Next Generation NCLEX and in nursing practice. Information on care coordination prepares you to make more informed decisions about patient care. Preparation for the transition from student to professional nurse helps you anticipate what is expected of you on entering the workforce. -- Cognitive rehearsal prepares you to recognize the unlikely threat of lateral violence. Tips on documentation include both electronic and paper records. Social justice in nursing helps you learn to advocate for patients who need your help." -- Back cover.

Nursing in today's evolving healthcare environment -- The history and social context of nursing -- Nursing's pathway to professionalism -- Nursing education in an evolving healthcare environment -- Becoming a professional nurse: defining nursing and socialization in practice -- Nursing as a regulated practice: legal issues -- Ethics: basic concepts for professional nursing practice -- Conceptual and philosoophic foundations of professional nursing practice -- Nursing theory: the basis for professional nursing -- The science of nursing and evidence-based-practice -- Developing nursing judgement through critical thinking -- Communication and collaboration in professional nursing - Nurses, patients, and families: caring at the intersection of health, illness, and culture -- Health care in the United States -- Political activism in nursing: communities, organizations, and government -- Nursing's challenge: to continue to evolve.