Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. The development of a profession -- 2. Historical perspectives -- 3. The evolution of licensure, certification, and nursing organizations -- 4. Theories and models of nursing -- 5. The process of educating nurses -- 6. Critical thinking -- 7. Ethics in nursing -- 8. Bioethical issues -- 9. Nursing law and liability -- 10. Taking and passing tests -- 11. NCLEX : what you need to know -- 12. Reality shock in the workplace -- 13. Principles of leadership and management -- 14. Communicating successfully -- 15. Delegation and supervision in nursing -- 16. Collective bargaining and governance -- 17. Health care delivery systems -- 18. Nursing informatics -- 19. The politically active nurse -- 20. Spirituality and health care -- 21. Cultural diversity -- 22. Developments in current nursing practice -- 23. Nursing research and evidence-based practice -- 24. Alternative and complementary healing practices.

"As a nursing student moving toward becoming a professional you must gain theoretical knowledge, learn clinical skills, and develop professional values. Dr. Catalano presents a wide range of pertinent topics and offers the most up-to-date coverage in this cutting-edge text. He explores the evolution and history of nursing, and examines the impact of reform, the legal system, and politics on the profession."--BOOK JACKET.