Nursing is a service to humankind to prevent illness, support those in need and give care to others. It involves the giving of intimate personal care at the edges of life and death – to the hurt and the vulnerable. It is a science that calls for certain personal attributes, for the development of professional values and attitudes, and a firm foundation of knowledge and understanding of people. The principles and practice of nursing and health care addresses the essential educational needs of nursing students and health care professionals within the context of the most recent guidelines set by the South African Nursing Council.

The principles and practice of nursing and health care integrates a wide range of perspectives, giving students a sense of their multiple responsibilities, while at the same time demonstrating and reinforcing the values and ethics that must form the foundation of all their duties. As interactive learning is an essential aid for students, plenty of activities, case studies and questions are provided. An accompanying CD contains additional reading material and practical applications.

Contents include the following:

- Professional-ethical practice

- Legal rights and responsibilities

- Professional regulation, competencies, responsibilities and accountability

- The management and planning processes

- Financial management

- Organisation and coordination of a health care unit

- Staffing and staff development

- Clinical leadership and supervision

- Control and safety measures

- Overview of the research process

The principles and practice of nursing and health care has been carefully designed to meet the academic needs of nursing students and health care professionals. In addition, it will serve as a practical reference and guide in understanding and managing the many issues readers will confront every day while delivering quality care to clients and communities.

Prof. Karien Jooste (PhD) is the Head of the Nursing Science Department at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Her niche area is leadership in health services management.