While today there is a plethora of online information when one wants to quickly access information, sometimes there is nothing like going to the bookshelf and selecting a book. Dictionaries are particularly useful as a rapid reference source, and A Dictionary of Nursing is of special value in providing credible and up-to-date information. The contents are focussed on nursing and will be of great value to both students and trained nurses alike. It would be particularly helpful to anyone returning to the profession or those trained overseas, as it provides factual updates relevant to the United Kingdom. Indeed, there is even a very useful pronunciation guide section at the beginning of the dictionary.
A Dictionary of Nursing is an extremely useful and up-to-date dictionary with this sixth edition of 2014, following the fifth published in 2008 (RR2009/325). Information is current and covers all aspects of nursing with nursing-specific terms, plus more general medical terms from anatomy, physiology, ethics, statistics, nutrition, dentistry, pharmacy, radiography and physiotherapy also included in easily understandable and concise entries. Altogether, there are over 10,200 of these with the addition of well-labelled, clear and understandable illustrations. The book is easy to use with the page edges helpfully marked to show different letters of the alphabet.
Of particular value are the 18 appendices which give information on such key items as: biochemical reference values for blood and urine; haematological values; body mass index; calculating drug doses including for intravenous infusions; immunisation schedules; the Human Rights Act; units of measurement; health-care websites; and sites for research information. Of particular importance is Appendix 18 which contains the United Kingdom Nursing and Midwifery Council code of professional conduct: standards for conduct, performance and ethics.
This is a dictionary not just for nurses but for other health professionals and those associated with providing care in community roles. Administrative staff in health-care situations will also find the information useful. Overall, A Dictionary of Nursing is a very useful addition to the bookshelf of any nurse and other health-care professional, and the price at £8.99 means it is extremely good value.
