Nursing Fundamentals

Reviewed by Eileen Weatherby, Nursing Instructor (PhD, MS, MBA, CNE), Normandale Community College on 5/20/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Overall, the book covers topics expected of nursing fundamentals textbooks. Some topics are developed very well such as therapeutic communication strategies, writing SMART outcomes, and highlighting Watson's caring theory. Other topics would benefit from futher development such as the role of the nurse as the teacher applying learning theory principles to patient education. The text does a good job introducing the challenges faced by older adults, and would benefit readers by expanding on the developmental stages of other age groups. Only cursory references are made to theorists Piaget and Erikson.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

No errors noted with the information. The authors successfully impart unbiased content with the exception of predominantly Caucasian images and models. Up to date information addresses the social determinants of health and health care disparities.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The electronic nature of this textbook allows for updating ease. The use of and emphasis on nursing diagnoses seems to be waning and this topic may be one of the areas of the textbook that will require modification.

Clarity rating: 5

Sections are succinct and easily readable. The glossaries and flash cards assist with mastering common medical terminology.

Consistency rating: 5

Each section is set up similarly. The reader can anticipate the review exercises at the conclusion of each section.

Modularity rating: 5

Each unit presents small "chunks" of information appropriately. The reader is not overwhelmed with a very large section under a single heading. I antipcate that learners would be more adherent with reading assignments using this format.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The arrangement of topics is done very well starting with a "big picture" of the nursing profession then gradually narrowing down to very specific topics.

Interface rating: 5

The electronic version worked well for jumping from link to link. Some images had such high definition that every pore and blackhead was visible on the model's face. The learning activities also worked well. The pdf version contains many blank pages and more effort is required of the reader to try the links and explore the learning activities.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammar errors encountered.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The proportion of images and models that represent people of color is small. This could be shored up.

Comments

Nurse educators often classify teaching content as, "Need to know, nice to know, or nuts to know". This textbook exemplifies the "need to know" & has eliminated the superfluous and/or detailed content. Overall, I believe nursing students would be more likely to complete reading assignments from this textbook as it is succinct and provides activities that help solidify concepts.

Reviewed by Bailey Kuhlman, Instructor, Pittsburg State University on 1/9/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The comprehensiveness of the text is sufficient. It includes all subjects our current text has. A benefit of the text is the instructor resources being readily available. Particularly, the NextGen instructor resources will be helpful.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The book is accurate and up to date with EBP.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The texts longevity and relevance are beneficial to the subject of nursing fundamentals.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is clear and concise.

Consistency rating: 5

The text is consistent with EBP.

Modularity rating: 5

The setup is beneficial to the user.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The organization of the text is easy to follow.

Interface rating: 5

Easy to follow and no problems experienced with technology.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors discovered in the text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

No cultural insensitivities were found.

Comments

This is a great text for nursing fundamentals students. The readily available instructor resources are a plus, especially when helping students prepare for NextGen. The online text is user friendly and up to date with EBP. There is no cost to the student which is a massive benefit.

Reviewed by Carol Blanchard, Instructor, North Shore Community College on 11/9/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This text covers all the subjects of our current text with the additional easily available instructor resources. The topics were covered well and included activities that were very well laid out, including relevant case studies that will help with our Next Generation questions.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The book is accurate and covers all of the most updated evidenced based best practices.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Because of this format, updates are easy to add, a real plus for Nursing and it's frequent updates.

Clarity rating: 5

Although the text is sometimes dry, it is very clear and understandable to a student.

Consistency rating: 5

The framework and terminology within the text is consistent.

Modularity rating: 5

The Module setup is very user friendly, and easy to access.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The topics are organized in such a way that is consistent with how most schools approach Nursing Fundamentals as a course.

Interface rating: 5

No problems were encountered with navigating throughout the text. The charts and activities were clear as well as the instructor resources and answer keys.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors were encountered.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

No cultural insensitivities were found.

Comments

This text is an excellent resource for Nursing students. The many activities and resources woven within each chapter makes this an excellent products for all types of learners. Additionally, because Nursing texts are often updated to reflect best practices, an online text is much easier to update with little to no expense for the student.

Reviewed by Bonnie Wilkinson, Primary Faculty, Nursing Assistant, Clackamas Community College on 12/29/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Great introductory exploration of concepts and topics germane to nursing students. Can be adapted to meet the needs for education of nursing assistants as well as those pursuing practical/vocational licensure or registered nurse

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Includes multiple recent and relevant sources with the ability to review or further explore the resources.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Includes links to resources that are frequently updated, rather than including the current standard at the time of publication which may change over time.

Clarity rating: 5

Written to meet the needs of a student unfamiliar with the subject with multiple clarifications of terms that can be referenced directly in the text. Each chapter included a glossary at the conclusion, which could be accessed prior to reading the subchapters if desired. Chapters divided into digestible sections that build upon the previous subchapter.

Consistency rating: 5

Each chapter arranged in a consistent pattern. Includes a summary subchapter as well as glossary of terms covered in the chapter. Each chapter has a learning assessment which includes critical thinking scenarios, flashcards with information, and an interactive quiz with immediate feedback function.

Modularity rating: 5

Chapters divided into digestible sections that build into a cohesive overview of the subject. Works well with supplemental texts by same group on Nursing Skills and Pharmacology.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Information presented from a global perspective followed by specific information and a summary section in each chapter. Chapters arranged with foundational information (scope of practice, communication, diverse populations, nursing process) at the beginning, followed by more specific subject areas.

Interface rating: 5

Links embedded in the text upload smoothly and images and charts placed in appropriate places to accent the subject being discussed. Additional information can be accessed easily by either clicking on the web addresses of the references or imbedded in boxes within the section

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Clear and inclusive text

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Full section on cultural issues plus references throughout the rest of the text

Comments

The authors have allowed access to further modify the publication to meet the needs of individuals pursuing nursing education outside the Wisconsin area. It is available for purchase in a print format, as referenced data showed students prefer a print text over 50% of the time. Has a companion publications for nursing skills and pharmacology.

Reviewed by Janelle Patterson, Professor of Nursing, Des Moines Area Community College on 11/23/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Includes all topics covered in our fundamentals nursing curriculum. The two topics not included in detail in this textbook are nursing skills and nursing assessments, but these resources are included via hyperlinks to other texts covering this content within this fundamentals textbook.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The text contains accurate photos, tables, and figures to help visual learners and depict current equipment.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Most fundamental topics are straightforward and universal. Some content that may be outdated are the NANDA-I diagnoses since these are no longer included on the NCLEX-RN. Nursing problems terminology have now replaced NANDA-I.

Clarity rating: 5

There is a glossary included at the end of each chapter to review unfamiliar bold-faced terms within the text. This book is written at a nursing fundamentals student level. Nursing interventions are explained in simple terms and include photos and tables to depict details further.

Consistency rating: 5

Each chapter follows the same sequence (nursing process) and ends with application exercises including "Putting it all Together" and "Learning Activities."

Modularity rating: 5

Text is very organized, predictable, and divisible.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Text is very organized, systematic, and logical.

Interface rating: 5

Excellent and thorough use of hyperlinks to additional references, evidence-based practice, national organizations, assessment steps, and skill steps.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Minimal grammatical errors

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

A variety of examples are included.

Reviewed by Tabatha Morgan, Assistant Professor, Emporia State University on 11/2/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

There were some errors noted within the context. There are also many blank pages between information and the labeling for the tables are on separate pages, which may be very confusing to a reader.

Content Accuracy rating: 3

There was some information that could be correct, such as the ISBARR examples. I believe the information listed under the situation, background, and assessment needs to be under the correct title. In the nursing diagnosis examples, there is conflicting information regarding the risk for nursing diagnosis. When it's potential, there are two parts of the nursing diagnosis: the problem and the related factors due to there is no evidence since it has not happened. The text states to include the problem and as evidence for a risk for diagnosis. When also stating if a goal has been met with evaluating a patient for their plan of care, it's best to list it as "Goal met, Goal partially met, or Goal met." The mnemonic for pain is "OLD CARTS," not "OLDCARTES," which I had looked up within other resources to see if there is an update, and every resource I found still states "OLD CARTS."

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

The accuracy of the information that is stated needs to be updated in areas. Please review the information listed under accuracy.

Clarity rating: 5

Information is clear and explained in layman's terms.

Consistency rating: 3

Please refer to the comment under accuracy.

Modularity rating: 4

There are many blank pages noted between each section of information while reading the information.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

The information flows well, except there are many blank pages noted between each information section while reading the information.

Interface rating: 3

The labeling for the tables doesn't always go with the information, and we cannot view some information. For example, in table 3.2b, part of the table is cut off over cultural concepts and cannot view information. Now, if this is a hard copy, some of the links would not be clicked on, making this textbook an ebook only.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No grammatical errors noted.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This textbook was not insensitive or offensive in any way to any culture.

Comments

By reviewing the textbook and changing the information provided, I believe this would be a great textbook. This textbook appears to be more at an Associate degree level for nursing students than a Bachelor in Science of Nursing degree.