Includes bibliographical references and index.

Content: The dynamic of professional development -- The professional nurse -- Contextual and philosophic elements of professional nursing -- The health care delivery system -- Socialization into professional practice -- The professional self-concept: development and care -- Career development -- The knowledge of professional practice: Patterns of knowing and nursing science -- Nursing models and theories -- Developing and using nursing knowledge through research -- Professional nurse processes -- The health process and self-care of the nurse -- Environmental health -- Informatics and technology in nursing practice -- The professional nurse nurse's role in public policy -- Nursing approaches to client system -- Professional nurse accountability -- Community health nursing: concepts and career opportunities -- Diverse and international communities -- Professional communication to English helping and healing relationships -- The professional nurse's role in teaching and learning -- Professional nursing leadership -- Shaping the future of nursing.