Includes bibliographical references and index.

Beginning the transition: journey to professionalism -- Socialization to professional nursing roles -- Historical foundations of professional nursing -- Ethical foundation of professional nursing -- Legal foundations of professional nursing -- Theoretical foundations of professional nursing -- The nurse as health promoter and care provider -- The nurse as learner and teacher -- The nurse as leader and manager -- The nurse as research consumer -- The nurse as political advocate -- The nurse as colleague and collaborator -- Communication -- Change process -- Group process -- Technology and informatics -- Nursing in an evolving health care delivery system -- Health care economics -- Providing care in the home and community -- Nursing in a culture of violence -- Nursing in a culturally diverse world -- Nursing in a spiritually diverse world -- Advanced nursing education and practice -- Visions for the future.