M. K. Bader & L. R. Littlejohns (Editors), Glenview, IL: American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, 2010, 1,035 pages, $199.00, ISBN 978-0-983132-40-0.
In this edition of the AANN Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nurses, the editors have created an invaluable resource for practicing neuroscience nurses. Bader and Littlejohns bring together the work of a host of chapter editors and authors to provide readers with comprehensive, current, evidence-based guidelines for the "best" practice of neuroscience nursing.
The book is divided into three overarching sections: foundations for neuroscience nursing, specific neuroscience topics, and neurological issues across the continuum. Throughout the book, the information in each section and chapter can stand alone or can be integrated into the larger whole.
Section 1: Foundations builds on the concepts of cellular physiology, intracranial pressure dynamics, and hemodynamics to outline assessment and testing parameters and the technology used in caring for patients with neurologic and neurosurgical disorders. The section also includes an overview of perioperative surgical considerations and a very timely, clinically relevant chapter centered on temperature regulation. Graphics add clarity to many of the fundamental concepts.
Section 2: Specific Topics includes a broad spectrum of neuroscience disorder-related topics. Each chapter outlines the etiology(ies), pathophysiologic processes, data assessment, treatment options, and expected patient outcomes for each topic. These chapters often guide the reader through myriad options with clear tables and figures. Web resources are also available for readers who seek additional information.
Section 3: Neurologic Issues addresses pediatric, rehabilitative, and geriatric disorders and issues as well as ethical dilemmas encountered in practice. The chapters in this section provide information useful to both "subspecialist" nurses who care for these populations routinely and for the practitioner who needs a quick reference or update.
The book ends with an extensive appendix containing scales for various disease processes encountered by neuroscience nurses that run the gamut from stroke to insomnia. Each scale is referenced and includes copyright information to make integration into practice easier. A second appendix provides candidates for the Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) examination with test-taking strategies.
This book will be a valuable addition to any neuroscience nurse's library because it is easy to read and well-referenced and includes abundant tools and examples to illustrate and support the content. This edition of the Core Curriculum illustrates the enormous body of knowledge needed and used by neuroscience nurses today and highlights our unique skills and expertise.
Reviewed by V. Susan Carroll, MS RN CNE, Editor-in-Chief.