Includes index.

Contents: Part 1: Context of professional nursing practice: Historical highlights: The foundations of professional nursing in the United States -- Pathways of nursing education -- Socialization to professional nursing -- Professional nursing roles -- Client systems -- Theories and frameworks for professional nursing practice -- Case management: A nursing role -- Leadership and management strategies -- The nursing practice environment -- Part II: Dimensions of professional nursing practice: Health policy and planning -- Economic issues in health care -- Legal aspects of nursing practice -- Ethical dimensions of nursing and health care -- Social and cultural dimensions of health and health care -- Part III: Themes in professional nursing practice: Caring -- Health and health promotion -- Complementary and alternative practices and products: Components of holistic health care -- Challenges in teaching and learning -- Critical thinking -- The change process -- Nursing research -- Health care informatics.