Book Review

Abstract

Joel, Lucille A. , 2003 ; McGraw-Hill Companies, New York, NY, USA : 759 pages. ISBN: 0071406395 . I recently spent a number of days developing a syllabus for associate degree nurses who are pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Traditionally, I have gathered a wide variety of articles to help students explore what it means to make the transition to a new level of nursing. This time, however, the search for articles was frustrating and I could not find the needed resources. By chance, I came across the ninth edition of Kelly's Dimensions of Professional Nursing. My search was over. This is a book for all nurses. The text aims to provide ‘an overview of the non-clinical aspects of nursing in sufficient detail to be adaptable for use at all stages in all types of programs in professional nursing’. This statement, written in 1962 by the text's first author Cordelia W. Kelly, accurately describes the ninth edition. The latest edition is ‘a virtual compendium’ as author Lucille Joel states in its Preface (p. vii). It has many revised, synthesized and streamlined materials, and contains a substantial amount of new information. Remarkably, while the text is consistent with past editions, it is also contemporary in look, feel, and content. As in previous editions, Part I details the Development of Modern Nursing from primitive societies to today, making special note of the influence of Florence Nightingale. This section gives a detailed description of nursing in the USA. A chapter on Major Studies of the Nursing Profession provides a comprehensive view from 1912 through 2002. As in previous editions, studies completed since publication of the last edition are presented with significantly more detail. Part II addresses Contemporary Professional Nursing. This section explores the health care setting and nursing's role within it, nursing education, research, the practice of nursing, and nurses’ legal rights and responsibilities. It also considers areas such as the ethics of managed care, whistle blowing, and informed refusal. An entire chapter is devoted to patients’ rights, including an examination of the nurse's role in professional-assisted suicide. I was impressed with the breadth of leadership theory presented and its appropriate placement within the context of change. The final section, Professional Components and Career Development, brings together rich and updated information on nursing organizations as well as useful information for nurses entering practice. There is an aesthetic look and feel to the ninth edition. Italicized emphases are prominent and red print is used for longer direct quotes. Students will find especially helpful the summary of key points at the end of each chapter and the related website references at the end of each section. Recognizing today's world, Joel has promised to update the bibliography every 6–9 months via the McGraw-Hill website. Fans of previous editions of this valuable text will notice that this ninth edition has been re-titled to include the name of the primary author for the third through eighth editions, Lucie Young Kelly. Lucille Joel co-authored the eighth edition and now continues the proud tradition of writing a text that is eminently useful, solidly documented, and comprehensively developed.