Overviews issues and trends shaping today's nursing practice. Four sections cover philosophical influences on the profession, the nurse's socialization for practice, and professional self-development; theoretical bases such as patterns of knowing and nursing science, the research process, and the health process; the health care delivery system and health care policy; and accountability, communication, leadership, and client care. This fourth edition includes increased emphasis on processes of professional nursing, the nurse's role in public policy, and management of client care. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc. , Portland, Or.