Nursing practice needs to be informed by an understanding of people and the societies in which they live. This introductory text has been designed specifically to discuss those aspects of sociology which are most relevant to nursing and the health care context in which it takes place. Divided into five sections linking to key issues of relevance to nursing, it provides an accessible introduction to major sociological themes and ideas. Each chapter clearly sets out the key concepts itcovers and includes case studies and examples which link to a variety of settings and client groups. The reader is encouraged to consider issues critically,via the use of reflection and discussion questions, and further reading and references are provided for each chapter. At the end of the book, there is a helpful glossary of sociological terminology. All students taking nursing and health sciences courses, and social sciences modules will find this book a readable and above all, relevant, introduction to sociology and health care.
This book focuses on changing approaches to nursing, encompassing current concepts of practice and the ways in which theory is generated and disseminated. Nursing practice has moved from a task orientated discipline to being patient-centred, and from addressing effective ways of nursing groups of patients with similar problems to holistic care. However, methods of research and education have not kept pace. Change has begun, but an even greater leap is required to achieve seamlessness and excellence in the care that is given to patients. This book suggests how it might be achieved. The first part of the book discusses ways of bringing nursing theory closer to practice, integrating models of theory, practice, research and education, and is based on a vision of the nurse as an autonomous professional. The second part presents working examples of initiatives in, amongst other areas, practice, action research and curriculum development.