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Readings in community health nursing
Readings in Community Health Nursing, Second Edition. Edited by Barbara Walton Spradley. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1982. 462 pages. $13.95, softcover. Reviewed by: Kath’ryn Gerhardstein Sample, R.N., B.S.N., Home Health Nurse, V.N.A., Sangamon County, Illinois. To say the least, this book offers something for anyone interested in community health nursing. Divided into eight subdivisions, the book presents a total of 54 selected readings covering many dilemmas and concerns in community health nursing. Most of the articles were written between 1970 and 1980, and their authors appear qualified and knowledgeable in their areas. Topics such as political trends in health care, role expansion of health care providers, cultural dimensions, and definition of community health nursing are explored. Articles focusing on family nursing present a broad spectrum of situations commonly seen in the home and in clinic settings. These include single parenting, death and dying, and illness and its impact on family life. Nursing tools such as nutritional assessment, the contracting process, and promotion of selfcare are discussed. Of particular interest is a section entitled “Community Health Nursing with Groups.” These readings present specific examples of health professionals who work with groups on such topics as obesity and self-care. As a home health nurse, I find Ms. Spradley’s second edition of Readings in Community Health Nursing to be an exJournal of Nurse-Midwifery
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cellent, inspiring, up-to-date resource. Also, this book provides a realistic and holistic framework for both the nursing instructor and nursing student in their efforts to become acquainted with community health nursing. This book also has its place in the acute care center, where discharge planning and referral begins. It is in this setting that health care providers have the responsibility for knowing their community resources and utilizing them effectively. The Complete Book of Women’s Health. By Gail Chapman Hongladarom, Ruth McCorkle, and Nancy Fugate Woods. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1982. 370 pages. $12.95, softcover. Reviewed by: Joni Larson, R.N., M.A., and Kathryn Gerhardstein Sample, R.N., B.S.N., both Home Health Nurses, V.N.A., Sangamon County, Illinois. “For too many years, information about women’s health has focused-as has society-on a woman’s reproductive system. This book presents for the first time an introduction to the broad range of health situations, concerns, and problems that most women face during their lifetimes.” As the above quote suggests, thii book, in 30 chapters, offers a new and somewhat holistic approach to women’s health. It speaks to and encourages women to become active participants in their own health care. Divided into five subdivisions-“Introduction to Women’s Health,” “Women’s Unique Physi-
28, No. 4, July/August 1983
Copyright 0 1983 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives
&3Y, ” “Health Damaging Behaviors,” “Health Situations,” and “Health Resources,“-this book offers information on such topics as nutrition and weight, exercise and women, environmental effects on women, and rape and battering. Chapters on smoking and personal-power assessment offer tools that the reader may use to evaluate him or herself. Despite the earlier quote, which is taken from the preface, several chapters are dedicated to the female reproductive system. The use of graphs and diagrams are much more dominant in these chapters than in others. The aging process in the female is also addressed through the chapters on osteoporosis and menopause. The last section, “Health Resources,” is a particular bonus. It is based on the idea that “informed women, interested in their own health status, are probably the best health resource.” This section promotes the “self-care” movement and provides information on choosing a therapist, cervical and breast screenings, and assertiveness. The book is progressive in thought and content. However, most chapters use highly technical language. Although words are often defined, the book is for an “upper middle-class” audience. In addition, most chapters do not take into account minority and/or cultural differences in approaches to health. Contrary to the word Complete in its title, this book does not explore the meanings of homosexuality, sensuality, or sexuality for a woman, nor does it mention the use of alternative health methods and/or groups not associated with traditional medicine.
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?? Vol.
cellent, inspiring, up-to-date resource. Also, this book provides a realistic and holistic framework for both the nursing instructor and nursing student in their efforts to become acquainted with community health nursing. This book also has its place in the acute care center, where discharge planning and referral begins. It is in this setting that health care providers have the responsibility for knowing their community resources and utilizing them effectively. The Complete Book of Women’s Health. By Gail Chapman Hongladarom, Ruth McCorkle, and Nancy Fugate Woods. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1982. 370 pages. $12.95, softcover. Reviewed by: Joni Larson, R.N., M.A., and Kathryn Gerhardstein Sample, R.N., B.S.N., both Home Health Nurses, V.N.A., Sangamon County, Illinois. “For too many years, information about women’s health has focused-as has society-on a woman’s reproductive system. This book presents for the first time an introduction to the broad range of health situations, concerns, and problems that most women face during their lifetimes.” As the above quote suggests, thii book, in 30 chapters, offers a new and somewhat holistic approach to women’s health. It speaks to and encourages women to become active participants in their own health care. Divided into five subdivisions-“Introduction to Women’s Health,” “Women’s Unique Physi-
28, No. 4, July/August 1983
Copyright 0 1983 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives
&3Y, ” “Health Damaging Behaviors,” “Health Situations,” and “Health Resources,“-this book offers information on such topics as nutrition and weight, exercise and women, environmental effects on women, and rape and battering. Chapters on smoking and personal-power assessment offer tools that the reader may use to evaluate him or herself. Despite the earlier quote, which is taken from the preface, several chapters are dedicated to the female reproductive system. The use of graphs and diagrams are much more dominant in these chapters than in others. The aging process in the female is also addressed through the chapters on osteoporosis and menopause. The last section, “Health Resources,” is a particular bonus. It is based on the idea that “informed women, interested in their own health status, are probably the best health resource.” This section promotes the “self-care” movement and provides information on choosing a therapist, cervical and breast screenings, and assertiveness. The book is progressive in thought and content. However, most chapters use highly technical language. Although words are often defined, the book is for an “upper middle-class” audience. In addition, most chapters do not take into account minority and/or cultural differences in approaches to health. Contrary to the word Complete in its title, this book does not explore the meanings of homosexuality, sensuality, or sexuality for a woman, nor does it mention the use of alternative health methods and/or groups not associated with traditional medicine.
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