This revised 3rd edition has been reformatted for easier reference and access to information. The new edition reflects the latest technologies and care modalities essential to an adult critical care nursing practice. The text uses the nursing process as a framework for each skill presented, and should work well for staff development personnel as it can be easily integrated into critical care orientation programs. Each chapter includes behavioural objectives, key terms, general assessment guidelines and a detailed reference/bibliography listing. Consistent with JCAHO's new emphasis on continuous quality improvement, this manual sets the standard against which all critical care procedures will be judged. Features include an updated lists of skills that reflect the latest technology and care modalities; carefully researched medical/nursing literature provide the scientific basis for critical care nursing practice; written explanation visually supported by numerous illustrations, diagrams and photographs; competency-based performance checklists which provide easy reference for the reader to validate his or her skill performance; and identification prerequisite knowledge and skills to ensure that the reader is at the best level for learning and performing the tasks presented.
