- Email: [email protected]
Gerontological Nursing: Concepts and Practice By Mary Ann Matteson
AORN JOURNAL
JUNE 1990, VOL. 51, NO 6
Book Reviews
EDUCATION A Nuts-and-Bolts Approach to Teaching Nursing, second ed. By Victoria Schoolcraft 1989, 212pp $27.95 clothbound
The preface to the book, A Nuts-and-BoltsApproach to Teaching Nursing, is the key nurses may be looking for to update, modify, or learn teaching skills. The primary audience of this second edition is teachers in associate or baccalaureate nursing programs. The author has taught nursing students for 17 years and continues to do so. With such a broad educational background, she provides a simple first-person approach that is not only self-explanatory, but can be modified to teach new staff members or update existing staff members’ skills in the hospital setting. The principle goal of this approach to teaching is to provide an arena in which to apply theory with the opportunity to practice psychosocial and psychomotor skills. The results would be to increase the students’ confidence and compentence. The book’s structure makes it easy to follow. For example, the book contains course and clinical objectives, learner needs, and subtitles, such as “Student Involvement” and “Patient Involvement.” One of the strong points made in this edition is that teachers are responsible for determining what students can and cannot do. As such, the teacher must clarify student roles, be a participant/observer to analyze needs ‘and outcomes, and prevent errors. The patient is the first concern, but not at the expense of the student. Throughout the book, the authors express and 1614
teach positive teacher-student communication and assertiveness. They provide examples of positive ways to help students overcome blocking negative experiences, overidentification with patient circumstances, and conflicts. They also include methods for teachers and students to use when completing verbal and written evaluation of clinical performances. Several sections are quite detailed, including one on how to identify personality and teaching styles when planning and giving a lecture. It also details how to design and implement a course by providing a format for a syllabus and information on selecting textbooks and reading assignments. The book closes with an introduction of computers. As the demands for patient-studentpeer teaching continues to grow, the concise information found in the book can lead anyone who is motivated to improve teaching skills and independent study. This in turn will help develop the strong role model and leader that is so critical for the survival of the professional nurse of the 199Os, both in the academic and work setting. The book is available from Springer Publishing Co, 536 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. HELENCZAJKOWSKI, RN, CNOR STAFF NURSE
WILLISKNIGHTON MEDICAL CENTER SHREVEPORT, LA
GERONTOLOGY Gerontological Nursing: Concepts and Practice By Mary Ann Matteson, Eleanor S. McConnell 1988,857~~ $38.95 clothbound GerontologicalNursing: Concepts and Practice is
AORN JOURNAL
intended for students and practitioners of gerontological nursing. The authors and contributors describe how this area of nursing practice builds on theories and methods of nursing practice in general. Some models for practice are supported by case studies that demonstratethe scientificbasis for practice. The book is divided into five units, including 25 chapters that contain a wealth of information on the aging process. Each chapter is presented in a clear and easy-to-read format. Unit one is an overview of gerontological nursing. It contains a description of conceptual framework for gerontological nursing practice, ethical considerations, and an outlook for gerontological nursing as a specialty. The second unit, on physiological aging, includes an interesting presentation on nursing diagnoses related to physiological alterations.The authors describe theoretical issues that pertain to diagnostic formulation, natural history of problems, and intervention strategies. Following their definitions, the authors describe guidelines for assessment, planning intervention, and evaluation. In the third unit, the authors present an upto-date discussion of women’s issues in aging, elder neglect and abuse, and nursing diagnoses related to psychosocial alterations associated with aging. The social science research presented provides a good prospective on the behavior and social functioning of the aged. The unit on clinical sciences is concerned with the latest pharmacological and nutritional considerations in the care of older adults. It includes the latest research findings in these areas. Unit five, on care settings, is a main feature of the book. The presentations examine context of service and networks of care for the elderly and how nursing diagnoses are influenced by health care settings. Also included are comprehensive descriptions of gerontological nursing in acute care settings, community health care settings, and long-term care facilities. Another useful feature of the book is the appendix, which contains a comprehensive long-term care assessment form that can be used by nurses at various levels of practice. 1616
J U N E 1990, VOL. 51. NO 6
The book is a valuable addition to the nursing literature in general and to gerontological nursing specifically. The number and variety of tables, figures, and photographs add to the readability and comprehension of the text. One drawback is the size and weight of the work; however, the format, style, and content of the book make up for it. Every library and reference reading room should have a copy of this important work on aging. The book is available from W B Saunders Co, The Curtis Center, Independence Square West, Philadelphia, PA 19106. MARCUS L. WALKER, RN, ScD ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/ MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING UNIVERXTY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
NURSING PRACTICE Nurse’s Quick Reference: An A-to-2 Guide to 1,001 Professional Problems Edited by the Editors of Nursing Magazine 1990,373~~ $29.95 This book is written in an encyclopedia format providing broad coverage of common medical and nursing subjects for studentsand nurses in a variety of practice settings. The subjects are arranged alphabetically from abdominal examination to ztrack injections. The editors of Nursing magazine used numerous authors to write this “how-to” reference. The material presented provides a quick update on an unfamiliar topic or a refresher for an infrequently encountered procedure. For example, the reader is given a brief, but complete, step-by-step description of collecting and reinfusing blood by autotransfusion from a chest tube. The authors discuss conflict management techniques, such as accommodation and collaboration, and they describe how to remove a contact lens from a patient’s eye. Descriptions often are accompanied by illustrations that further help readers understand the process or procedure. The inside covers of
JUNE 1990, VOL. 51, NO 6
Book Reviews
EDUCATION A Nuts-and-Bolts Approach to Teaching Nursing, second ed. By Victoria Schoolcraft 1989, 212pp $27.95 clothbound
The preface to the book, A Nuts-and-BoltsApproach to Teaching Nursing, is the key nurses may be looking for to update, modify, or learn teaching skills. The primary audience of this second edition is teachers in associate or baccalaureate nursing programs. The author has taught nursing students for 17 years and continues to do so. With such a broad educational background, she provides a simple first-person approach that is not only self-explanatory, but can be modified to teach new staff members or update existing staff members’ skills in the hospital setting. The principle goal of this approach to teaching is to provide an arena in which to apply theory with the opportunity to practice psychosocial and psychomotor skills. The results would be to increase the students’ confidence and compentence. The book’s structure makes it easy to follow. For example, the book contains course and clinical objectives, learner needs, and subtitles, such as “Student Involvement” and “Patient Involvement.” One of the strong points made in this edition is that teachers are responsible for determining what students can and cannot do. As such, the teacher must clarify student roles, be a participant/observer to analyze needs ‘and outcomes, and prevent errors. The patient is the first concern, but not at the expense of the student. Throughout the book, the authors express and 1614
teach positive teacher-student communication and assertiveness. They provide examples of positive ways to help students overcome blocking negative experiences, overidentification with patient circumstances, and conflicts. They also include methods for teachers and students to use when completing verbal and written evaluation of clinical performances. Several sections are quite detailed, including one on how to identify personality and teaching styles when planning and giving a lecture. It also details how to design and implement a course by providing a format for a syllabus and information on selecting textbooks and reading assignments. The book closes with an introduction of computers. As the demands for patient-studentpeer teaching continues to grow, the concise information found in the book can lead anyone who is motivated to improve teaching skills and independent study. This in turn will help develop the strong role model and leader that is so critical for the survival of the professional nurse of the 199Os, both in the academic and work setting. The book is available from Springer Publishing Co, 536 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. HELENCZAJKOWSKI, RN, CNOR STAFF NURSE
WILLISKNIGHTON MEDICAL CENTER SHREVEPORT, LA
GERONTOLOGY Gerontological Nursing: Concepts and Practice By Mary Ann Matteson, Eleanor S. McConnell 1988,857~~ $38.95 clothbound GerontologicalNursing: Concepts and Practice is
AORN JOURNAL
intended for students and practitioners of gerontological nursing. The authors and contributors describe how this area of nursing practice builds on theories and methods of nursing practice in general. Some models for practice are supported by case studies that demonstratethe scientificbasis for practice. The book is divided into five units, including 25 chapters that contain a wealth of information on the aging process. Each chapter is presented in a clear and easy-to-read format. Unit one is an overview of gerontological nursing. It contains a description of conceptual framework for gerontological nursing practice, ethical considerations, and an outlook for gerontological nursing as a specialty. The second unit, on physiological aging, includes an interesting presentation on nursing diagnoses related to physiological alterations.The authors describe theoretical issues that pertain to diagnostic formulation, natural history of problems, and intervention strategies. Following their definitions, the authors describe guidelines for assessment, planning intervention, and evaluation. In the third unit, the authors present an upto-date discussion of women’s issues in aging, elder neglect and abuse, and nursing diagnoses related to psychosocial alterations associated with aging. The social science research presented provides a good prospective on the behavior and social functioning of the aged. The unit on clinical sciences is concerned with the latest pharmacological and nutritional considerations in the care of older adults. It includes the latest research findings in these areas. Unit five, on care settings, is a main feature of the book. The presentations examine context of service and networks of care for the elderly and how nursing diagnoses are influenced by health care settings. Also included are comprehensive descriptions of gerontological nursing in acute care settings, community health care settings, and long-term care facilities. Another useful feature of the book is the appendix, which contains a comprehensive long-term care assessment form that can be used by nurses at various levels of practice. 1616
J U N E 1990, VOL. 51. NO 6
The book is a valuable addition to the nursing literature in general and to gerontological nursing specifically. The number and variety of tables, figures, and photographs add to the readability and comprehension of the text. One drawback is the size and weight of the work; however, the format, style, and content of the book make up for it. Every library and reference reading room should have a copy of this important work on aging. The book is available from W B Saunders Co, The Curtis Center, Independence Square West, Philadelphia, PA 19106. MARCUS L. WALKER, RN, ScD ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/ MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING UNIVERXTY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
NURSING PRACTICE Nurse’s Quick Reference: An A-to-2 Guide to 1,001 Professional Problems Edited by the Editors of Nursing Magazine 1990,373~~ $29.95 This book is written in an encyclopedia format providing broad coverage of common medical and nursing subjects for studentsand nurses in a variety of practice settings. The subjects are arranged alphabetically from abdominal examination to ztrack injections. The editors of Nursing magazine used numerous authors to write this “how-to” reference. The material presented provides a quick update on an unfamiliar topic or a refresher for an infrequently encountered procedure. For example, the reader is given a brief, but complete, step-by-step description of collecting and reinfusing blood by autotransfusion from a chest tube. The authors discuss conflict management techniques, such as accommodation and collaboration, and they describe how to remove a contact lens from a patient’s eye. Descriptions often are accompanied by illustrations that further help readers understand the process or procedure. The inside covers of