Includes bibliographical references.

The professional nurse -- The history behind the development of professional nursing -- Contextual, philosophical, and ethical elements of professional nursing -- Patterns of knowing and nursing science -- Nursing models and theories -- Professional nursing processes -- Professional communication to establish helping and healing relationships -- The health process and self-care of the nurse -- Health care delivery systems -- Developing and using nursing knowledge through research -- Multicultural issues in professional practice -- Professional nurse accountability -- Environmental and global health -- Community health -- Informatics and technology in nursing practice -- The professional nurse's role in public policy -- Nursing approaches to client systems -- The professional nurse's role in teaching and learning -- Leadership and management in professional nursing -- Quality improvement and professional nursing -- Career options for professional nurses -- Development of a professional nursing career -- Shaping the future of nursing.