Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach, 10th edition (Repost)

The practice of critical care nursing has changed dramatically since its inception in the 1960s. Critical care nurses, more than ever before, must possess an extensive body of knowledge in order to provide competent and holistic care to critically ill patients and their families. Critically ill patients are no longer found just in intensive care units. Instead, they are cared for in the emergency department, in progressive care units, in postanesthesia care units, and in the home. Today, critically ill patients are liable to be older and sicker than ever before, thus demanding extensive knowledge to meet their complex needs. Advances in nursing, medicine, and technology; the rapidly changing health care climate; and the shortage of nursing staff and faculty are other factors that have come together to effect great changes in the practice of critical care nursing. Some of the requisite knowledge for the practice of critical care nursing can be attained through formal education and textbooks, like this one. The rest can only be gained through experience. It is our goal, with this 10th edition of Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach,to assist readers on their journey by providing a comprehensive, up-to-date resource and reference. As in past editions, this 10th edition promotes excellence in critical care nursing. Presenting theory and principles within the context of practical application helps the reader to gain competence and confi dence in caring for critically ill patients and their families. As always, the patient as the center of the health care team’s efforts is emphasized throughout. In the highly specialized and complicated technical environment of critical care, knowing how to deliver holistic care and demonstrating caring behaviors are just as important as knowing how to operate complex equipment and perform diffi cult procedures. New to this 10th edition, the reader will fi nd a special feature on genetics, more emphasis on evidence-based practice, and a more streamlined text that focuses on the most important knowledge and practices for the critical care nurse.