Includes bibliographical references and index.

Exploring the growth of nursing as a profession -- Educational preparation for nursing -- Credentials for healthcare providers -- Making professional goals a reality -- The world of healthcare employment -- The healthcare environment and its financing -- Legal responsibilities for practice -- Ethical concerns in nursing practice -- Bioethical issues in healthcare -- Safety concerns in healthcare -- The nursing profession and the community -- Initiating the leadership and management role -- Working with others in a leadership role -- Facing the challenges of todays workplace -- Valuing the political process -- Applying research and technology to nursing practice.