Nursing science is an art and, viewed within a professional, ethical and legal framework, 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 mindfulness 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.
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.
Section 1 Ethos of nursing and professional practice
Chapter 1: Nature and parameters of nursing and other health care practice
Chapter 2: Nursing and health care theories and philosophies
Chapter 3: Professional-ethical practice
Chapter 4: Legal rights and responsibilities
Chapter 5: Professional regulation: an organised profession
Chapter 6: Professional competencies, responsibilities and accountability
Chapter 7: Professional and legal aspects
Section 2 Health care unit management
Chapter 8: The management process: an overview
Chapter 9: Legislation and policy frameworks in planning a health care unit
Chapter 10: The planning process in a health care unit
Chapter 11: Financial management in a health care unit
Chapter 12: Change and project management
Chapter 13: Organisation and coordination of a health care unit: theoretical concepts
Chapter 14: Organisation and coordination of a health care unit: teams and groups
Chapter 15: Information and knowledge management
Chapter 16: Staffing
Chapter 17: Labour relations
Chapter 18: Leadership and guidance in a health care unit
Chapter 19: Empowerment
Chapter 20: Communication in a health care unit
Chapter 21: Clinical leadership and supervision
Chapter 22: Control and safety measures in a health care unit
Section 3 Staff development
Chapter 23: Staff development
Chapter 24: Career management
Section 4 Overview of the research process
Chapter 25: Foundations of research in nursing for evidence-informed practice
Chapter 26: Ethics in research
Chapter 27: Initial steps of planning in research
Chapter 28: Conceptualisation in research
Chapter 29: Research design, population and sampling
Chapter 30: Data gathering and analysis
Chapter 31: Validity, reliability and trustworthiness
Chapter 32: Reporting the research findings
Section 5 Health dynamics
Chapter 33: Health systems
Chapter 34: Health care indicators and profiles
Chapter 35: Current health care dynamics
