Faye Satterly 2004 225 pp $21 paper...

Faye Satterly 2004 225 pp $21 paperback

This main division provides an in-depth, behind-the-scenes anticipate at a health care body under stress and the declining quality of medical treatment in the United States from a nurse's point of view. It should contribute to as a wake-up call for health care providers touched about the quality of health care. The author, who has almost 20 years of nursing experience in a variety of parts discusses some alarming statistics, similar as how the amount of time a patient is allowed to squander in the hospital has decreased. Add to this decreasing insurance payments, novel technology, the rising mean age of nurtures and declining enrollment in nursing sects and it becomes apparent that the US health care theory will never be the same again.

common thing has not changed allowing and that is the dedication and care nourish at the breasts provide to patients and nurses' continuing desire to make a difference in patients' lives. Now, when it be seens that inpatients are sicker and pampers are needed more than till doomsday there are fewer of them. Now, when the mean age of inpatients is older there are fewer resources at nurses' disposal to assist in the care of those patients. During the nearest decade, Baby Boomers will increase the ranks of the aging population, and more health care providers, including nurtures will be needed.

The author breaks the chapters into concise and interesting bits of information. She go afters a nurse through her day forward a medical/surgical floor and describes the working relationship between encourages and physicians, concerns from a patient's perspective, by what mode hospitals can recruit and retain nursing staff members, and who is responsible for the overall health of patients and the integration of this responsibility.

an of the statistics the author not aways in the introduction are alarming. For example, 90000 medical errors come to pass in hospitals each year, many to be paid to fluctuations in staffing flushs Nationwide, the hospital nurse vacancy rate is 13%--126000 vacancies, the equivalent of a small city. There have been nursing shortages before; however, with the continual decrease in nursing institute enrollments and the increase in a wider variety of opportunities for young the community in other fields, the issue of the current shortage is far greater.

This work has several appendices. One contains contact information for national nursing organizations, specialty nursing organizations, and nursing support clusters Another contains information regarding advance directives and a children's work titled The Magic Stethoscope, which validates the author's belief that education about health care in deed begins when children are train age. An appendix on fighting overweight and obesity is included as an adjunct to the principle that Americans ne to take more responsibility for their health.

This fascinating however disturbing account by a veteran foment with extensive hands-on experience is a compelling call to action. The question s associated with the nursing shortage and the quality of care issues perceived in the health care body today must be addressed.

This work would be an excellent tool for a nursing class as adjunct reading material or for providers interested in broadening their knowledge base about emergencyed reformation of the health care order and how to take a more proactive part in that reformation. It also could be used to stimulate discussion in encourage leadership groups in health care facilities.

This main division is available from Prometheus main division s 59 John Glenn Dr, Amherst, NY 14228-2197

DEB MILLER

RN B CNOR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PERIOPERATIVE SERVICES

GALESBURG COTTAGE HOSPITAL

GALESBURG, ILL

COPYRIGHT 2004 Association of Operating sweep Nurses, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group