The Art of Nursing

This is a very clear introduction to the art, as opposed to the technical aspects, of nursing. As such, it is widely applicable to other service or human care professions, particularly pastoral ministry. It would be particularly suited to Clinical Pastoral Education both because of the skills discussed, and to give chaplains a better feel for the nurse's profession, whose service of care chaplains are intended to supplement (at least, from the institution's point of view). Ten chapters are presented in two groups: What Nurses Know -acquiring nursing (technical) knowledge, personal knowledge,and ethical knowledge; and then the Art of Nursing- caring & advocacy for patients, advocacy for populations, supporting spirituality, response of compassion, the nurse's (supporting) presence, and self-care. Each chapter is followed by the sources cited, a kind of bibliography.Political correctness creeps in on the chapters on Advocacy for Populations, and self-care, the former in the form of class conflict analysis, the latter in citing two authors who analyze nurses as an oppressed class, but it does not detract from the thrust of the text or its usefulness.The chapter on advocacy for populations was of particular interest as it grows out of community nursing, which overlaps considerably with social work and community organizing. The chapter on spirituality cites mostly nursing literature (and Walker's "The Color Purple") rather than specifically religious literature, and takes a utilitarian approach to the subject, separating "spirituality" from religious faith. In other words, religion is seen as external and formal and only helpful in the exceptional case, when the patient asks for it. In the spiritual sphere, the patient can be his own doctor. This is pretty standard for Clinical Pastoral Education training for chaplains who are admitted into the total institution only by sufferance.One of the operating concepts, the reward of nursing, is "the human connection." There is a mutual gratification between the needy and the needing- to-be-needed. There is power in being able to make a difference in the lives of others. There is comfort in being seen and cared for in the midst of an institution that pricks, and probes, and puts you in a gown with your behind exposed. The rewards of human care are indeed rich when we value one another! Too often, however, nurses are caught in the middle, expecting to give unfailing technical competence which is measured meticulously, as well as sensitive attention to the patient's overall welfare, a more subtle and subjective assessment. Mastery of the former leaves more time for the latter, but demands of economy, hierarchy, despairing patients, and anxious family can put nurses in an impossible position. This text helps us to see this big picture and gives the prospective nurse important suggestions as to identifying such impossible situations and avoiding blaming oneself and/or assuming a victim's role.I hope I will not be seen as devaluing or insulting the book or profession by suggesting that its principles would apply to non-professional human services such as hairdresser, or shoe salesman. These too have a certain, if limited, set of technical skills which can be part of a human connection, assuring those who are particularly anxious about how they look. Food service is also human service- wait staff who seem burned out, or uncaring about their serving, would benefit from the ideas in this book. Burnout does not occur exclusively in nursing, and the advice given- make informed choices about your work, act to correct what is wrong at work, accept what can't be changed- is useful in most if not all job settings.

This book confirmed I did not want to be a nurse. Well written and very informative.

thank you it is a very interesting book really helpful when we consider the context im using it . it is very simple , not too complicated. I am enjoying it right now.

As expected. Happy with purchase.

The book is pleasurable to read. It makes some nice points about the nursing field. I have been a Registered Nurse for over 10 years so I can relate.

I read this book everyday!! it gives great insight on my assignments and it is really in-depth. Great purchase, love it.

Liked the stories included in chapters

used this book for a nursing class. I loved it. It gives actual cases of people. Its not the usual boring nursing book.

Excellent book. I gifted to many friends... The "meaning" of nursing!

Book was advertised as -very good! I really should have returned it and bought from elsewhere but needed it for school. There was food, yes FOOD on the pages sticking two of them together. The cover was curled on both corners, the spine of the book has been glued on the inside so I’m really hoping it’s not missing pages. Not at all what the picture showed condition wise… Don’t post very good condition if it’s not and this book was not!

This book is useless for my classes. I regret buying it. It is a book that would be beneficial if it was relevant to my course.