Product Description

This book is not a primer on clinical skills but an indispensable handbook and resource for the new nurses who are about to embark on their first job and need to develop nursing judgment and the ability to organise and deliver care. It is about learning how to think like a nurse - developing the judgment and behaviour that is essential in competent practice. With an immensely readable style this book uses a friendly, conversational manner, with realistic hints, tips, and examples from real life, to encourage nurses in the early days of their careers.

Issues such as assertiveness, delegation, CVs and interviews, leadership, developing "nursing intuition", are covered as well as discussion about evidence based and reflective practice, direct entry into the community, and developing confidence in practice. This book will help nurses and students develop into competent and confident practitioners.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21008 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Customer Reviews

I know- I wrote it.
When the Student Nurse Handbook (2004 by Balliere Tindall) came out, the feedback we received was- "It's Great! But I understand now- what's next?"
This book was intended to pick up where the Student Nurse Handbook (SNH)left off, helping you move from being a student nurse to working and practising as a nurse- but just as much it was intended for those already working as nurses to be sure their practice lived up to the standards required.
Its not about *how* to do things, its about *why* you do them, supporting you to develop your clinical judgement and decision making.
The chapters start with help getting a job- CV, interview, how to do a seminar presentation- and then go into helping you develop the art that is your nursing practice. The popular seminar "Transitioning from Student to Staff Nurse" evolved into a chapter of its own, with guidance on what we want from you in the clinical areas and how to survive going from a no-pay student to an earning, accountable and competent nurse.
As with the Student Nurse Handbook, I wrote this as if you were a friend with whom I was sharing time, but unlike the SNH this was written after I have spent a substantial period as a patient so the focus includes an increased awareness of what patients need from nurses.
There are fewer cartoons than in the SNH, but just as many examples and scenarios from practice, giving you concrete tips on how to not just survive but enjoy your new career.
There is a substantial chapter on mentorship, and one on developing your reflection into reflection in action, allowing you to make better use of your decision making skills, and a chapter on research and evidence based practice, assisting you to develop a more evidence-based approach to care.
All in all, this book is basic, but that doesn't mean its not important. The art of nursing is one that needs constant work to remain focused and up to date- this book should assist you in developing your career and practice.Its founded in nursing theory and presented with clear words, useful examples,humour and a passion for nursing.
The only shortcoming in my opinion is that there is not a lot of room for models- but the 2nd edition of the SNH will have expanded models in it; there was not enough room for nursing models, and the hope is that by qualification you would have understood that part well enough to not miss it. What it does promote however is that you are in control of your nursing, that you have the reason and right to be proud of being a nruse, and that it is your obligation to do the best you can to be the nurse your patient needs.
Thank you for buying the books I write for you- when I write, I try to imagine each individual parting with hard earned money and hoping that what I give them is a fair trade. Let me know how I can make this book a better value and more useful resource by writing me through the publisher.
And thank you for caring enough about your nursing to want to be the best nurse possible.

Really useful advice
This is a great book for those approaching qualification or who are newly qualified. It covers all the areas where you need a bit of advice, such as writing a CV and getting a first job, time management, leadership and reflection. It is very clear and easy to read.

The book!!!!!!!!!
This is a must have book starting out as a newly qualifed nurse. The books is well layed out and concise with the information it's providing. Brilliant book to have, so much so that everyone I know is always borrowing it, even nurses who have been qualifed for years.
So if your soon to be qualifed this is the book to have.