74

NURSEEDUCATIONTODAY

CommunicationSkills for ProfessionalNurses

Pagan0 & Ragan
Sage
1992 15Opp ISBN: 080394557
4 f9.95
This compact book takes an interesting
and timely
perspective
on communication
skills by addressing
both verbal, non-verbal
and written aspects of the
topic. It provides a fresh analysis of the importance of
effective
communication;
combining
theory
with
practice based examples and exercises. The latter give
readers opportunities
to examine their own responses
to certain situations and moves away from a mechanistic approach to learning communications
theory.
The book relates to technological
advances and
societal changes that are demanding nurses communicate at many different levels. As a nurse needs to be
both informative and persuasive, compassionate
and
perceptive,
the authors have also explored
these
dimensions. In order to tackle such eclectic tasks, the
book provides a range of strategies based on dynamic
theories as well as legal considerations.
Because the book is written by and for North
American Nurses there are two major disadvantages.
Some of the referenced
material will be less readily
available. Secondly, the exercises and examples are
culture bound and require transposing
to the UK
context.
Despite these drawbacks, the size and price of the
book deem it a very manageable resource for individuals, ward bases, teaching
purposes
and library
reference. What is needed now is an English version.
SA BACH
RSN RHV BSc RNT MSc

Currently there are a number of drug references,

some are pocket-sized and some give nursing information. This is the first book that I have seen that
combines both features. However, it is an American
text and thus drug names do differ from those in the
UK, a feature that considerably limits its appeal. My
advice would be to stick with a British text, they may
not be pocket-sized but are easier to use.
ANNE BETTS

BSc (Hans) MSc RGN RNT

SuccessfulStudy for Degrees

Rob Barnes
Routledge
1992 175pp ISBN: 0 425 07845 8 g30.00
This book is clearly written and well presented. The
summary and action plan at the end of each chapter
are particularly useful. They can be used not only as a
summary of the material covered but also as a quick
source of reference and revision material. It is well
referenced
combining
information
from standard
educational
texts as well as from more up-to-date
sources. The index used in conjunction
with the
contents pages enables the reader to access specific
subject matter within the text.
The book is expensive at the price of f30.00 for the
hardback edition. In view of this fact and that it deals
with the very specific area of developing study skills, I
would not recommend it for individual purchasers but
it would be a useful addition to the study skills section
of any nursing
library.
Its generic
educational
approach means that as its title suggests it would be a
suitable reference book for any students undertaking
a degree programme.
ALISON

Mosbys Nursing Drug 1994

L Skidmore-Roth
Mosby Yr Book
1992 1037~~ ISBN:O 8016 6198 6 f16.50
This American drug reference has been revised and
updated with some 19 new drugs added to the 1000
generic drugs already included. Each drug is indexed
alphabetically
by its generic name, followed by the
various
American
and Canadian
trade
names.
Included in the drug information
is the action, use,
dosage, route of administration,
side effects, adverse
reactions,
contra-indications,
interactions
and
incompatibilities.
The most useful aspect of this truly pocket-sized
book is the inclusion for each drug of a section entitled
nursing considerations.
The section is organised to
encourage a problem solving approach by subdivision
into assessment, administration,
provision, evaluation
and teaching of patient/family.
There is also a large
index and a number of useful appendices.

& P.
illus

ISBN: o-415-05486-9

&lo.99

My reaction on receiving this book to review was Why

on earth was this sent to Nurse Education Today?
Initial scrutiny could suggest no answer to my question. The books
relevance
to nurses appeared
negligible.
A closer examination
revealed a different picture.
Repeatedly
in the papers, such as those on family
therapy by Vetere and on practice by Watson &
Williams, the imbalance of power is illustrated. This is
all too easily recognisable to nurses and midwives. The
solution, empowerment,
is discussed at length.
Usshers chapter on science in psychology carries a
sadly familiar note for health care researchers
using