Key Takeaways:
Nursing students need to read diverse materials covering practical skills like getting along with doctors and surviving the first day.
Essential texts vary by study level, from foundational nursing books in undergraduate to specialized texts in advanced degrees.
Reading foundational texts like “Fundamentals of Nursing” before nursing school prepares students for their education and careers.
Beyond textbooks, books like “House of God” and “Why Hospitals Should Fly” provide insights into medical practice and patient safety.
Learn more but the Best Books for Nursing Students, like how to get along with doctors and how to survive your first day on the job. It’s impossible to choose just five great books for nursing students. That’s why this list covers the most critical topics, like how to get along with doctors and how to survive your first day on the job. Readers will get an overview of everything they need to be great nurses and an idea of which topics need further exploration.
What Nursing Books Do You Need For Nursing?
When it comes to books for nursing, there is a wide range of texts available, depending on the level of nursing you are pursuing. For example, for medical professionals studying for their undergraduate degree, textbooks such as Fundamentals of Nursing, Nursing Health Assessment, and Nursing Research will provide a comprehensive overview of the profession and its associated topics. For those looking to specialize in a particular field, such as oncology or geriatrics, additional texts may be needed.
For those pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing, texts such as Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach, Nursing Theory: Analysis, Application, and Evaluation, and Leadership and Management in Nursing are essential. These texts will provide the foundation of knowledge necessary to understand the complexities of advanced practice nursing.
For those studying for a Doctor of Nursing Practice, texts such as Nursing Leadership and Management, Advanced Nursing Practice, and Advanced Clinical Practice are essential. These texts will provide the knowledge base required to understand the complexities of advanced clinical practice and the application of evidence-based practice.
In addition to the texts listed above, other resources such as websites, journals, and online databases can be useful for furthering one’s knowledge base. By making use of these resources, students can stay up to date on the most current research and trends in the nursing field.
No matter the level of nursing, having the proper textbooks is key to success. By having access to the most up-to-date textbooks and resources, nursing students can ensure they have the knowledge necessary to succeed in their field.
What Nursing Books Should I Read Before Nursing School?
Before starting nursing school, it is important to read books that will help you prepare for the field of nursing. Reading books can help you understand the principles and theories of nursing, as well as provide a foundation for the skills you will need to practice nursing.
“Fundamentals of Nursing”
by Patricia A. Potter, Anne Griffin Perry, Patricia Stockert, and Amy Hall
One book that I recommend is “Fundamentals of Nursing” by Patricia A. Potter, Anne Griffin Perry, Patricia Stockert, and Amy Hall. This textbook covers the basic concepts of nursing, such as anatomy and physiology, health assessment, nutrition, pharmacology, and mental health. It also discusses the professional aspects of nursing, such as communication, leadership, and legal and ethical considerations.
“The Nursing Process and Quality Care”
by Judith M. Wilkinson.
Another book to consider is “The Nursing Process and Quality Care” by Judith M. Wilkinson. This book examines the nursing process and its components, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. It also covers quality improvement and patient safety, as well as cultural considerations.
“Leadership and Management in Nursing”
by Eleanor J. Sullivan.
For those interested in learning more about nursing management and leadership, I would suggest “Leadership and Management in Nursing” by Eleanor J. Sullivan. This book covers the role of the nurse manager and leader, as well as the skills required for effective leadership and management. It also examines organizational theories, quality improvement, and the use of technology in nursing.
“Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span”
by Carole Lium Edelman and Elizabeth C. Kudzma
Finally, I would recommend “Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span” by Carole Lium Edelman and Elizabeth C. Kudzma. This book covers the principles of health promotion and disease prevention, including nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. It addresses topics such as health disparities, health literacy, and health promotion in vulnerable populations.
These books will provide a comprehensive foundation for nursing school and will help you gain a better understanding of the field of nursing. Additionally, reading these books can help you better prepare for the challenges you will face in nursing school and in your future career as a nurse.
Nurses can read more about Skills Nurses need to have not just nursing books. They can learn more about:
- critical thinking skills
- other medical professionals
- experienced nurses and their practical tips
- critical care teams
- how to be a nurse educator
- various forms of healthcare management
- learn more about modern nursing
- listen to other nurse’s story and others true stories
- medical mysteries
- practical advice on how to treat patients
More Important Nursing Books for Nursing Students
1. House of God
This is a book about a physician’s first year of medical training. What’s it doing on a list of five important books for nursing students? It’s simple. Nurses carry first-year residents through the struggle of applying med-school theory to the real world. This book will give you more empathy for the baby doctors you encounter every year.
2. Why Hospitals Should Fly: The Ultimate Flight Plan to Patient Safety
In this book, aviation expert John J. Nance details his theories for why hospitals should incorporate safety lessons from the aviation industry. This is a must-read if you’re interested in healthcare administration or just keeping patients safe. Nance discusses common mistakes made by hospital staff and the simple solutions to fix them. A big piece of the puzzle centers around making nurses valued member of the healthcare team. If nothing else, this book will give you the motivation to go for your Master’s of Science in Nursing program.
3. The Everything New Nurse Book
Every graduating medical surgical nursing student should receive a copy of this book. Long-time registered nurse (RN) Kathy Quan covers everything you need to manage your career, your patients and your life. You’ll learn about dealing with doctors, working through patient life and which specialty is the best fit for your personality. Quan’s book is targeted at new nurses who want to thrive on the job, but it’s also helpful for student nurses wanting to prepare themselves for their career. You need this practical guidebook so you can hit the ground running your first day on the ward.
4. Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost ten percent of nurses work in skilled nursing education facilities like rehabilitation facilities or nursing homes. Many newly graduates nurses work at these facilities because of the ease of getting hired, particularly in understaffed rural areas. That’s why any list of required reading for new nurses has to include an entry on skilled nursing education facilities. Dr. Gawande’s book is a thoughtful exploration of the history of long-term care in the United States and efforts to improve it. You’ll learn how small animals can make a big difference in patient outcomes and the complicated legislation that forces facilities to focus on patient safety over patient happiness. You might even gain more understanding of the difficult decisions nurse managers have to make every day.
5. The Total Money Makeover
This personal finance book might not seem like it belongs on a list of great books for nursing students. However, far too many new nurses find themselves wondering how their shiny new paychecks disappeared. Before you sign a lease for a new car, agree to give money to family members or treat yourself to a five-star vacation, learn to manage your money. Financial guru Dave Ramsey will ensure the monetary rewards of your nursing career last beyond pay day.
Don’t let your exploration of nursing stop here. Use this list of five awesome books for nursing students as a springboard and continue building your library.
6. The Comfort Garden: Tales from the Trauma Unit
The Comfort Garden: Tales from the Trauma Unit is a unique book that examines the emotional journeys of trauma victims and their families. It follows the story of Laurie Barkin, a trauma nurse and her patients. Through their stories, she explains the impact of trauma and how it affects their lives. She also discusses the difficult decisions that must be made in the face of traumatic injuries and the difficult process of healing and recovery. The Comfort Garden is a powerful and inspiring story of the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of the caring and compassionate people who care for trauma victims. It is an uplifting and thought-provoking read that will stay with you after you have finished it.
7. Intensive Care: The Story of a Nurse
Intensive Care: The Story of a Nurse by Echo Heron is an inspiring memoir about a woman’s journey to becoming a nurse. Echo shares her personal experiences and struggles throughout her career, from her early days as a student nurse to her eventual success as a professional in the field. Heron vividly describes the different patients she encounters throughout her career, and the lessons she learns from them, as well as the difficult decisions she has to make. By sharing her story, she hopes to encourage other nurses and those considering a career in healthcare. Intensive Care is an inspiring and thought-provoking read that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication of nurses.
8. How Doctors Think
How Doctors Think is a book by Jerome Groopman, a renowned doctor and writer. The book provides an insightful look into the inner workings of a doctor’s mind and how they make decisions and diagnoses. It examines the psychology and science of a doctor’s thought process, including their ability to think critically, ask the right questions, and recognize when intuition may be more useful than evidence. It also reveals the potential pitfalls of diagnostic error, and the importance of understanding the patient’s story. Moreover, it provides valuable insight into the challenges of being a doctor, and the various ways doctors can stay sharp, think on their feet, and make better decisions. Ultimately, the book offers an enlightening and informative look into the medical profession.
9. Your 1st Year as a Nurse
Your 1st Year as a Nurse by Donna Cardillo is a comprehensive guide that provides beginning nurses with the tools to navigate their first year of nursing. It offers advice on how to handle stressful situations and provides an in-depth look at the realities of working in a hospital setting. It covers topics from dealing with difficult patients, to communicating with doctors and understanding the nurse-patient relationship. It also provides helpful tips for study, organization and time management. The book is designed to be a comprehensive guide that will help new nurses develop the skills necessary to be successful in the field. It is an invaluable resource for those entering into the nursing profession.
10. The Last Lecture
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch is a book about living life to its fullest potential. It is based on Pausch’s lecture at Carnegie Mellon University, which was intended to be his final lesson to students. In the book, Pausch shares his thoughts on achieving childhood dreams, embracing opportunities and overcoming obstacles. He offers a view on how to make the most of one’s life, regardless of the difficulty of life’s circumstances. The book is a story of perseverance and dedication that is a must-read for anyone looking to make the most of life. It is a reminder to make the most of every moment and to never give up on our dreams.
11. The Journal of Nursing Administration
The Journal of Nursing Administration is a comprehensive guide to all aspects of nursing administration. Written by Lisa Burkhart, this book covers topics such as staffing models, budgeting, regulation compliance, quality management, and technology management. It provides practical strategies and guidance for nurses who are in leadership roles in their organizations. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the nursing profession and covers the role of nursing administrators in the healthcare system. The book is written in an easy to read format that is accessible to both beginning and experienced administrators. It is an excellent resource for those looking to gain a better understanding of the nursing administration field.
12. Cooked: An Inner City Nursing Memoir
Cooked: An Inner City Nursing Memoir is a powerful memoir written by Carol Karels, a nurse who worked in inner-city hospitals in Chicago. In her book, she details her experiences, observations, and feelings as she works with her patients in difficult and often dangerous conditions. She writes with passion and insight, giving the reader a window into the lives of those she cares for, even when the odds seem stacked against them. Her stories of resilience and courage provide a much-needed voice for those living in poverty and violence. Cooked is an inspiring story of one woman’s dedication to her profession and her commitment to helping those in need, even when the odds are against them.
13. The Nurse’s Clinical Pocket Guide
The Nurse’s Clinical Pocket Guide by Ehren Myers is a concise, easy-to-use reference for nurses in the clinical setting. Simular to a nursing diagnosis handbook. This pocket guide covers the essential skills of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in a clear and concise manner. It includes helpful tips and tricks for nurses to remember while in the clinical setting. Additionally, the book provides a comprehensive review of the most important topics in the field. It covers topics such as common diseases and disorders, pharmacology, nutrition, and laboratory values. This pocket guide is a must-have reference for any nurse in the clinical setting. It is a quick and easy-to-use reference that every nurse should have on hand.
Why Is Literature Important In Healthcare?
Literature is an important aspect of healthcare as it provides a platform for healthcare professionals to gain a better understanding of the human experience related to health and illness. This understanding can be used to inform patient care, as well as provide insight into the patient’s experience of illness and treatment.
Literature can also be used to provide insight into the cultural and social contexts of healthcare, allowing healthcare professionals to better serve the needs of their patients. Literature can be used to discuss pertinent issues in healthcare, such as the ethical considerations of certain treatments, the effects of poverty on health, and disparities in healthcare access. By discussing these topics, healthcare professionals can gain a greater understanding of the social and cultural influences that can impact patient care. This understanding can then be used to inform decisions about how to best address the needs of the individuals they care for.
Literature can also be used to provide comfort and support to patients. It can provide a means of exploring the emotions that accompany illness and treatment, and provide a space for reflection and exploration. This can help patients to feel more connected and understood, and can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness that can often accompany illness.
In conclusion, literature is an important aspect of healthcare as it allows healthcare professionals to gain a better understanding of the human experience related to health and illness. It can also be used to discuss pertinent issues in healthcare and provide comfort and support to patients. By using literature in healthcare, healthcare professionals can serve their patients in a more informed and compassionate way.
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