Nursing Case Studies in Caring: Across the Practice Spectrum

"This well-written book clearly reflects extensive study, thoughtful reflection, and clinical experience. The authors have successfully provided a unique and realistic framework to aid educators in engaging students with contextual learning opportunities designed to illuminate the value of theory in practice... Score: 91 - 4 Stars!"

--Susan G Wiera, MSN, Michigan State University College of Nursing, Doody's Reviews

Uncovers the art and science of nursing grounded in caring for all nursing situations

Grounded in the belief that caring is the central domain of nursing, this innovative book presents a new approach to "nursing situations." These are case studies depicting shared lived experiences between the nurse and patient that are studied from various theoretical perspectives. They are designed to foster a nursing student's ability to care effectively for a patient, family, or group. Each case study features a compelling scenario that engages the reader to feel and fully participate in the caring experience. The book presents a variety of situations that new and experienced nurses are likely to encounter, many of which present scenarios that require caring for a patient under difficult or complex circumstances.

The book addresses the need, as defined by leading health care and nursing education organizations, for the study of nursing from a contextual, story-oriented perspective. It is based on the Barry, Gordon & King Teaching/Learning Nursing Framework, developed as a guide to uncover the art and science of nursing grounded in caring in all nursing situations. Following a description of the framework's foundational concepts, the text describes how to use nursing situations to facilitate learning. The scenarios offer detailed, practical strategies for analyzing nursing situations in ways that bring to life the simple and complex practice of nursing grounded in caring. These real-life stories also help students understand the impact of health conditions on individuals and families, thereby fostering empathy. Case studies address nursing situations across a variety of populations, health concerns, and practice settings. Using multiple ways of knowing and understanding, each scenario concludes with direct and reflective questions that help students develop nursing knowledge and skills. The book serves as a core resource for nurse educators and students at all levels seeking to study the art and science of nursing grounded in caring. Additionally, the book is a resource for in-service educators in health care systems that specifically address caring as an essential value for practice.

KEY FEATURES:

• Delivers a new approach to nursing education focusing on the context of caring between nurse and patient
• Presents a collection of real-life nursing scenarios designed to foster caring knowledge and skills under all circumstances
• Offers detailed, practical strategies for analyzing nursing situations to aid in learning the practice of nursing grounded in caring
• Helps students to understand the impact of health conditions on individuals and families

Charlotte D. Barry, PhD, RN, NCSN, FAAN, is a professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, in Boca Raton, Florida. Nationally certified in school nursing, Dr. Barry's outstanding and sustained contribution to nursing has been the outcome of her expertise in community nursing practice, education, and research. She has been on the leading edge of developing school-based health centers dedicated to overcoming barriers in the delivery of quality care to children and families.

Shirley C. Gordon, PhD, RN, NCSN, is a professor and assistant dean of graduate practice programs at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University. She is actively involved in teaching research, theory, ethics, and community nursing to both undergraduate and graduate students. Her research areas of interest include caring for persons experiencing chronic, stigmatized conditions; the development of caring theories to guide nursing practice; and teaching from nursing situations.

Beth M. King, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, is an assistant professor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Nationally certified as a clinical nurse specialist in adult psychiatric and mental health, her area of focus is community practice and mental health. Her research areas of interest are caring outcomes in nursing education and the burden of depression in vulnerable and often marginalized populations.