- Email: [email protected]
Staff training in mental handicap
308
NURSEEDUCATIONTODAY
that repetition is avoided. New information is introduced but each rehearses their own Unit philosopy. There were some surprising inconsistencies in a book which seems to be advocating the importance of autonomy for patients and the importance of individuals. The use of ‘her’ patients when describing the role of the primary nurse and the notion of nurses offering their ‘Christian’ names are two notable examples. A number of referencing errors are perhaps the result of poor proof-reading but the mis-spelling of Riehl (Riehl & Roy 1980) and Abdellah (Abdellah & Levine 1965) throughout, is unfortunate. However, the book is thought-provoking, well referenced and rightly questions the willingness of nurses to pursue a clinical career where accountability focuses
on direct
patient
care.
References Abdellah F G, Levine E (1965) ‘Better Nursing Research’. Macmillan, New Riehl J P, Roy C (1980) ‘Conceptual Practice’. Appleton-Century-Crofts,
Patient Care through York Models for Nursing Norwalk.
HELENCHALMERS
Caring at Home N Kohner Kings Fund Centre 1988 132pp Illus
ISBN: l-8535&004-9
22.50
Obtaining help from the fragmented community services can be a nightmare prospect. Lack of time and energy often prevents carers from discovering what support is available and also their own entitlements. The real power of this book is its attempt to enable the carer to take control of his/her situation. It offers detailed practical advice on how to organise help and leaves the reader with a feeling of not being alone. It recognises that services are often limited but encourages the carer to develop a positive approach to this and makes suggestions as to how change could be strived for. Throughout the book illustrative quotes give the reader confidence that the author has thoroughly researched this subject and has written it essentially with real people and problems in mind. The book functions as an easy to use reference with clear headings and a good indexing system. It supplies lists of useful organisations and publications as well as summary charts of much of the main text. Health professionals would find this book to be a useful and practical resource of information and for many carers this book could be their lifeline. JULIENNEELIZABETH MEYER BSc MSc RGN CertEd RNT
Physical Assessment: A Primary Care Focus P Raish & B J Klaus Wiley 1987 715pp Illus ISBN: O-471-8214%7 219.50 Initially the potential reader may flick through this book at random and be put off immediately by its small print, repetitious presentation of contents and the simplistic figures. It would be a mistake to discard it for these reasons because it is exactly what it claims to be a guide for nurses on how to carry out physical examinations and assessments of patients, whether they be in hospital, health centre, or at home. Whilst not pretending to be a reference text it is appropriate for the bookshelf on the hospital ward or the back seat of the community nurse’s car. The authors have adopted a comprehensive systematic approach. Each body system is taken in turn, working from the head down to the genito urinary tract. A description of the anatomy and physiology is followed by a guide to history taking for that system and then a description of how to conduct a range of physical examinations and assessments. The really clever bit in each chapter is the description of the common disorders or problems of the system as they occur in children, adults and the elderly. After each problem has been described the reader is given pointers towards health education for the patient together with key danger signals to watch out for. Written in short crisp sentences the book is well referenced and has a brief but adequate index. NEILKENWORTHY RGN RMN RNT BEd
Staff Training in Mental Handicap J Hogg and P Mittler Croom Helm 1987 458 pp Illus ISBN: &7099-3728-8
Price S22.50
This edited book is something akin to the curate’s egg - stimulating and interesting in parts, yet at times turgid and tedious. The text is primarily concerned with training, and reflects a heavy bias towards behaviourism, with little in the way of a broader educational approach to the preparation of staff working with mentally handicapped people. From a nursing point of view, chapter 8 describes the professional role in the institutional setting, and as such tells the reader nothing new. Mental handicap nurses do not require constant reminders of the negative aspects of caring in inappropriate settings, but help and guidance in the development of skills more suitable to the provision of community support for their clients. Indeed, there are aspects of the book which do give definite pointers towards the composition and acquisition of these skills, and careful analysis of the text will provide the
NURSEEDUCATIONTODAY
discerning nurse with ideas for broadening their professional base. In this respect, continuing education tutors will find the book a useful addition to their resource collection, especially as much of the text is supported by empirical findings and associated references which can be followed up by the enthusiastic student. The book also has something to say about the value of shared training at a basic level, and the need for professional workers to be insightful about the contribution each makes to the overall support of people with mental handicap. The price of the book will put it out of the reach of most students, but a library copy should be made available in all nurse education centres offering mental handicap nurse training. PETERBIRCHENALL RNMH RGN DN RNT MA
Nursing
Principles:
A guide for practice 2nd Ed
J Snowball and W H Green Blackwell 1987 181 pp Illus SBN o-632-01812-7
JEANWILLIAMS MA BEd(Hom)
The Fundamentals of Science for Nurses C J Harris
Wright 1988 138 pp Illus ISBN O-7236-0856-3
CertEd SRN RNT
$7.50
This text offers some very clear explanations of scientific principles, some of which are remembered from the reader’s schooldays. Key measures, SI units, biology, chemistry and physics material are all covered quite lucidly with a good range of diagrams. The book is primarily directed at Occupational Health Nursing, where an appreciation of electricity and toxicology for instance, are of obvious importance. Nevertheless, it is suggested that the book has wider interest for nurses in general. This assertion would have been better supported if the text offered more examples of just how scientific phenomena affected health. Frequently the reader is left to make imaginative connections between some of the scientific principles and either human physiology or injury. When Cynthia Harris does offer a direct connection (eg metal poisoning), it spurs the reader on and could have made this a much more valuable text. In summary, this will be a very useful library addition where Occupational Health Nursing is taught. It’s value in wider circles depends upon a degree of application, either bv the reader or a guiding teacher. At 27.50 this is a verv reasonable purchase risk to take.
26.50
This is a second edition of a guideline manual for nurses which reflects a teaching approach based on principles rather than specific procedural actions. It is divided into three sections: the first centred on an ‘activities of living’ model of nursing, the second additional specific components such as principles of asepsis, and the third professional issues such as teaching and decision making. A brief introductory chapter outlines the authors beliefs about concepts which are currently considered important in nursing. Unfortunately its brevity makes it seem trite; the questions are poorly referenced and little effort has been made to direct the reader to the texts from which assumptions could be substantiated. Throughout the body of the text there is an absence of reference to many notable works and the inclusion of some which are somewhat out of date in their approach. Paucity of content is particularly noticeable in Parts II and III. This is regrettable because the framework is sound, as well as being refreshingly different. The book is clearly written and the graphic layout particularly helpful. It could in its present state be useful for students or teachers who require a synopsis of principles for learning/teaching purposes. However, one cannot help hoping that a third edition will evolve which will change the good ideas into a seminal work.
309
BOBPRKX SRN BA(Homi MSc CertEd
Living with Allergies
J McKenzie Penguin Health 1987 208 pp ISBN 0-1400-9671-X
f3.95
This is a well written little book which is obviously aimed at the reasonably informed lay public. The author makes clear that it is a guide to facts rather than a self help book and this is reiterated in the text. Because it is not written as a text book, there are no references as such, but there is a list of further reading and some useful addresses in the back. The text itself is informed yet informal and could well appeal to student nurses in their first year who require an overview of allergies and their effects. Those nurses working with patients who suffer from allergies could safely recommend this book to those who are interested and able to gain a basic understanding of t.heir own or a relative’s problem. Most areas are covered, if only briefly, and there is a simple account of the immune system and its relationship to the allergic response. Finally, alternatives to conventional treatment are considered. At f3.95 a useful addition to the family bookshelf. DR.ANsFAuLKNER
NURSEEDUCATIONTODAY
that repetition is avoided. New information is introduced but each rehearses their own Unit philosopy. There were some surprising inconsistencies in a book which seems to be advocating the importance of autonomy for patients and the importance of individuals. The use of ‘her’ patients when describing the role of the primary nurse and the notion of nurses offering their ‘Christian’ names are two notable examples. A number of referencing errors are perhaps the result of poor proof-reading but the mis-spelling of Riehl (Riehl & Roy 1980) and Abdellah (Abdellah & Levine 1965) throughout, is unfortunate. However, the book is thought-provoking, well referenced and rightly questions the willingness of nurses to pursue a clinical career where accountability focuses
on direct
patient
care.
References Abdellah F G, Levine E (1965) ‘Better Nursing Research’. Macmillan, New Riehl J P, Roy C (1980) ‘Conceptual Practice’. Appleton-Century-Crofts,
Patient Care through York Models for Nursing Norwalk.
HELENCHALMERS
Caring at Home N Kohner Kings Fund Centre 1988 132pp Illus
ISBN: l-8535&004-9
22.50
Obtaining help from the fragmented community services can be a nightmare prospect. Lack of time and energy often prevents carers from discovering what support is available and also their own entitlements. The real power of this book is its attempt to enable the carer to take control of his/her situation. It offers detailed practical advice on how to organise help and leaves the reader with a feeling of not being alone. It recognises that services are often limited but encourages the carer to develop a positive approach to this and makes suggestions as to how change could be strived for. Throughout the book illustrative quotes give the reader confidence that the author has thoroughly researched this subject and has written it essentially with real people and problems in mind. The book functions as an easy to use reference with clear headings and a good indexing system. It supplies lists of useful organisations and publications as well as summary charts of much of the main text. Health professionals would find this book to be a useful and practical resource of information and for many carers this book could be their lifeline. JULIENNEELIZABETH MEYER BSc MSc RGN CertEd RNT
Physical Assessment: A Primary Care Focus P Raish & B J Klaus Wiley 1987 715pp Illus ISBN: O-471-8214%7 219.50 Initially the potential reader may flick through this book at random and be put off immediately by its small print, repetitious presentation of contents and the simplistic figures. It would be a mistake to discard it for these reasons because it is exactly what it claims to be a guide for nurses on how to carry out physical examinations and assessments of patients, whether they be in hospital, health centre, or at home. Whilst not pretending to be a reference text it is appropriate for the bookshelf on the hospital ward or the back seat of the community nurse’s car. The authors have adopted a comprehensive systematic approach. Each body system is taken in turn, working from the head down to the genito urinary tract. A description of the anatomy and physiology is followed by a guide to history taking for that system and then a description of how to conduct a range of physical examinations and assessments. The really clever bit in each chapter is the description of the common disorders or problems of the system as they occur in children, adults and the elderly. After each problem has been described the reader is given pointers towards health education for the patient together with key danger signals to watch out for. Written in short crisp sentences the book is well referenced and has a brief but adequate index. NEILKENWORTHY RGN RMN RNT BEd
Staff Training in Mental Handicap J Hogg and P Mittler Croom Helm 1987 458 pp Illus ISBN: &7099-3728-8
Price S22.50
This edited book is something akin to the curate’s egg - stimulating and interesting in parts, yet at times turgid and tedious. The text is primarily concerned with training, and reflects a heavy bias towards behaviourism, with little in the way of a broader educational approach to the preparation of staff working with mentally handicapped people. From a nursing point of view, chapter 8 describes the professional role in the institutional setting, and as such tells the reader nothing new. Mental handicap nurses do not require constant reminders of the negative aspects of caring in inappropriate settings, but help and guidance in the development of skills more suitable to the provision of community support for their clients. Indeed, there are aspects of the book which do give definite pointers towards the composition and acquisition of these skills, and careful analysis of the text will provide the
NURSEEDUCATIONTODAY
discerning nurse with ideas for broadening their professional base. In this respect, continuing education tutors will find the book a useful addition to their resource collection, especially as much of the text is supported by empirical findings and associated references which can be followed up by the enthusiastic student. The book also has something to say about the value of shared training at a basic level, and the need for professional workers to be insightful about the contribution each makes to the overall support of people with mental handicap. The price of the book will put it out of the reach of most students, but a library copy should be made available in all nurse education centres offering mental handicap nurse training. PETERBIRCHENALL RNMH RGN DN RNT MA
Nursing
Principles:
A guide for practice 2nd Ed
J Snowball and W H Green Blackwell 1987 181 pp Illus SBN o-632-01812-7
JEANWILLIAMS MA BEd(Hom)
The Fundamentals of Science for Nurses C J Harris
Wright 1988 138 pp Illus ISBN O-7236-0856-3
CertEd SRN RNT
$7.50
This text offers some very clear explanations of scientific principles, some of which are remembered from the reader’s schooldays. Key measures, SI units, biology, chemistry and physics material are all covered quite lucidly with a good range of diagrams. The book is primarily directed at Occupational Health Nursing, where an appreciation of electricity and toxicology for instance, are of obvious importance. Nevertheless, it is suggested that the book has wider interest for nurses in general. This assertion would have been better supported if the text offered more examples of just how scientific phenomena affected health. Frequently the reader is left to make imaginative connections between some of the scientific principles and either human physiology or injury. When Cynthia Harris does offer a direct connection (eg metal poisoning), it spurs the reader on and could have made this a much more valuable text. In summary, this will be a very useful library addition where Occupational Health Nursing is taught. It’s value in wider circles depends upon a degree of application, either bv the reader or a guiding teacher. At 27.50 this is a verv reasonable purchase risk to take.
26.50
This is a second edition of a guideline manual for nurses which reflects a teaching approach based on principles rather than specific procedural actions. It is divided into three sections: the first centred on an ‘activities of living’ model of nursing, the second additional specific components such as principles of asepsis, and the third professional issues such as teaching and decision making. A brief introductory chapter outlines the authors beliefs about concepts which are currently considered important in nursing. Unfortunately its brevity makes it seem trite; the questions are poorly referenced and little effort has been made to direct the reader to the texts from which assumptions could be substantiated. Throughout the body of the text there is an absence of reference to many notable works and the inclusion of some which are somewhat out of date in their approach. Paucity of content is particularly noticeable in Parts II and III. This is regrettable because the framework is sound, as well as being refreshingly different. The book is clearly written and the graphic layout particularly helpful. It could in its present state be useful for students or teachers who require a synopsis of principles for learning/teaching purposes. However, one cannot help hoping that a third edition will evolve which will change the good ideas into a seminal work.
309
BOBPRKX SRN BA(Homi MSc CertEd
Living with Allergies
J McKenzie Penguin Health 1987 208 pp ISBN 0-1400-9671-X
f3.95
This is a well written little book which is obviously aimed at the reasonably informed lay public. The author makes clear that it is a guide to facts rather than a self help book and this is reiterated in the text. Because it is not written as a text book, there are no references as such, but there is a list of further reading and some useful addresses in the back. The text itself is informed yet informal and could well appeal to student nurses in their first year who require an overview of allergies and their effects. Those nurses working with patients who suffer from allergies could safely recommend this book to those who are interested and able to gain a basic understanding of t.heir own or a relative’s problem. Most areas are covered, if only briefly, and there is a simple account of the immune system and its relationship to the allergic response. Finally, alternatives to conventional treatment are considered. At f3.95 a useful addition to the family bookshelf. DR.ANsFAuLKNER