The Principles And Practice Of Nursing And Healthcare

Nursing science is an art and, viewed within a professional, ethical and legal frame-work, addresses the ongoing innovative, developing dynamics in health care services. To remain current with trends in, for example, digital technology, global warming and the new ruralism approach in certain geographical areas, various essential domains should be dealt with in formal training, for competent professional nurses and health care professionals to emerge.

A science calls for competencies, referring to specified personal attributes and skills, the development of professional values and attitudes, and a firm foundation of knowledge to serve mankind. Competencies in the principles and practices of the domains of ethos and professional practice, career development, nursing and health care management and research, can resolve the basic dynamics that emerge in the health care environment and service delivery. The principles and practice of nursing and health care examines more than the essential educational learning outcomes expected of nursing students and health care professionals by the South African Nursing Council. It integrates a wide range of perspectives and approaches, guiding nurses to develop the required skills along with a mind-fulness of their multiple responsibilities and their accountability.

They should, within their scope of practice, demonstrate and reinforce the professional values and ethics that form the foundation of all their obligations. Self-directed study and an interactive learning environment are essential components in learning and teaching. Competencies of students are internalised by the content provided in this publication. Topics integrate key points, using a variety of activities, case studies, examples of developing records, explanations and questions to stimulate independent critical thinking. Additional information is made available through a link on the website of Van Schaik Publishers. In addition to its relevance for the undergraduate programme, the chapters on the steps in the research process are relevant to postgraduate-level programmes.

This book serves as a theoretical, practical and research reference and guide in identifying, understanding and managing the various challenges one confronts daily while delivering quality care to clients and communities. The principles and practice of nursing and health care has been carefully designed to meet the academic, professional and personal needs of nursing students and health care professionals.

Prof. Karien Jooste (DLitt et Phil) is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Her niche area is self-leadership of academics and the community in the context of health services management. She is rated as a researcher by the National Research Foundation in South Africa.