Nursing Advanced Skills

Reviewed by Dana Smith, Nursing Faculty, GateWay Community College on 4/3/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The text covers a wide range of advanced nursing skills relevant to registered nurses, including intravenous infusion, blood product administration, central line management, chest tube systems, ECG interpretation, and nasogastric/feeding tube insertion. Its content is thoughtfully aligned with external standards such as those from the ANA, NCLEX-RN Test Plan, AACN, and QSEN, ensuring that it is both current and practical. The book takes a conceptual approach, emphasizing evidence-based practice, clinical judgment, cultural competency, and safe, quality care. Each chapter is structured logically and includes practical checklists and documentation guidelines, which are essential for hands-on practice. Additionally, the textbook integrates learning activities and formative assessments, including case studies designed to develop clinical judgment through realistic scenarios and NCLEX-style questions. The inclusion of diagrams, illustrations, and interactive content enhances visual learning, while supplementary online resources and videos further support procedural understanding.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The text demonstrates a high level of accuracy, as it is based on current standards and guidelines from reputable sources such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), NCLEX-RN Test Plan, American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN).

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The text is highly relevant to modern nursing practice, particularly for prelicensure nursing students and practicing nurses who are looking to enhance their competency in advanced clinical skills. The content aligns with the latest NCLEX-RN Test Plan. It incorporates guidelines from authoritative sources like the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Institute. This alignment ensures that the skills taught are not only up-to-date but also directly applicable to real-world clinical settings.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is written in clear, accessible prose that makes complex clinical concepts more understandable for prelicensure nursing students and practicing nurses. The authors consistently use straightforward, professional language while avoiding overly technical jargon, which enhances readability. When specialized terminology is necessary, it is introduced with adequate context and clearly defined within the text. Additionally, each chapter includes a glossary that reinforces the meaning of key terms, ensuring that learners can easily reference definitions as needed.

Consistency rating: 5

The text demonstrates a high level of consistency in terminology throughout its chapters. The authors adhere to standardized nursing language that aligns with professional guidelines, including the American Nurses Association (ANA) standards and the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. This consistency helps ensure readers can easily follow concepts and apply them in clinical practice without confusion. Key terms are consistently defined and reinforced throughout the text, often appearing in both the narrative and in practical checklists. Each chapter includes a glossary specific to the skills covered, which is particularly helpful for maintaining uniformity when introducing technical terms or advanced concepts.

Modularity rating: 5

The content is organized into clearly defined chapters, each focusing on a specific advanced skill or clinical area, such as IV therapy, blood product administration, or central line management. Within each chapter, the material is further subdivided into well-labeled sections with consistent subheadings. This structured format allows instructors to easily select and assign specific topics without requiring students to read entire chapters, thus promoting flexible course planning. Each section is relatively self-contained, with introductions, key concepts, step-by-step procedures, checklists, documentation guidelines, and practice activities. This format minimizes the need for cross-referencing between chapters, reducing confusion and allowing for targeted reading assignments. Additionally, the presence of distinct learning objectives and summaries at the beginning and end of each section enhances the modularity by clearly defining the focus and takeaways.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The text is well-organized and clear, making it accessible and easy to follow for nursing students and practicing nurses alike. The content is structured logically, with each chapter focused on a specific advanced nursing skill, such as intravenous therapy, blood product administration, or ECG interpretation. Each section begins with clear learning objectives, guiding the reader on what to focus on and what skills to master.

Interface rating: 5

The text has a user-friendly interface that supports easy navigation and clear presentation of content. As an open educational resource (OER) available in digital and print formats, it is designed to be accessible and practical for users. In the digital version, navigation is straightforward, with clearly labeled chapters and sections that can be accessed through a table of contents at the beginning. The text is divided into manageable sections, and hyperlinks within the text facilitate quick access to related topics or external resources. This structure allows readers to move seamlessly between chapters and topics without losing their place.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text is well-written and free of significant grammatical errors. The language is clear, professional, and consistent throughout, adhering to standard grammatical conventions appropriate for an academic and clinical setting. The authors use correct syntax, punctuation, and sentence structure, which contributes to the overall clarity and readability of the text. There is a consistent use of tense and voice, typically favoring active voice when describing procedures and guidelines, which makes the content more direct and authoritative.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The text shows a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity, particularly in its language and ethical considerations. However, it could be improved by incorporating more diverse case studies and explicitly addressing how cultural factors influence clinical decision-making. A few additional examples highlighting different cultural practices and perspectives in healthcare could benefit.

Reviewed by Jennifer Riggs, Professional Specialist, Saint Mary's College on 11/13/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

I am thrilled that Chippewa Valley Technical College put out another resource! I already use their Nursing Fundamentals and Nursing Skills OERs. I now plan to add Nursing Advanced Skills to my book list for the Spring semester.

Nursing Advanced Skills picks up right where Nursing Skills leaves off. It includes seven chapters and covers the following skills: IV therapy, IV medication administration, blood product administration, management of central lines, nasogastric and feeding tubes, chest tubes, and EKG interpretation.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Content is accurate and aligns with what is being taught in undergraduate nursing courses. The editors provide a list of external professional and organizational sources used to develop content.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Content is up-to-date. Sources are current and at most, only a few years old. Sources are evidence-based and reliable. They are cited at the bottom of each individual content page and are hyperlinked for easy access.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is clear and concise. The headings are helpful for organizing information and key terms are bolded. The presentation is visually appealing and easy to understand. The pages are easy to navigate. I believe that students will appreciate the simplicity and clarity of the pages.

Consistency rating: 5

Each book section and page are formatted in the same way. Students will know what to expect as they access each new chapter. Quality and quantity of information is also consistent across the book.

Modularity rating: 5

There are multiple ways to view this book. In addition to accessing the book in an online format, students can also download the book at no cost or order a hard copy of the book from the publisher or from Amazon for $55.20. From an inclusivity standpoint, I love being able to offer free course resources AND a hard copy of the book. While most students prefer the online version, I continue to have students who learn better with a hard copy. Regardless of the format, students seem to appreciate the book format and concise reading sections. In the online version, the pictures and video links are conveniently located and easy to use. I like how I can easily link relevant sections and assignments directly in the syllabus, course calendar and online learning platform.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Each chapter includes a review of anatomy, indications for the skill, a step-by-step checklist with meaningful pictures and videos, an application of the nursing process and sample documentation. The videos were created specifically for the book and compliment the checklists. Each chapter ends with a section titled “Learning Activities” which includes flash cards, case studies and quizzes that incorporate NGN NCLEX-style questions. I will ask the students to review the videos and checklists before class and will use these learning activities during class. The content list can be accessed in the upper left corner of each page. And, a glossary of terms is located in an appendix at the end of the book. Finally, the editors provide a short YouTube video that explains how to navigate the online book and activities.

Interface rating: 5

I have not experienced any interface issues. The text sizes and fonts, margin size, and color gradients used allow for ease and efficiency of reading.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I have not experienced any grammar errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Pertinent cultural and lifespan considerations for the skills are included. For example, religious beliefs are discussed in relation to blood product administration. And, guidance for obtaining and maintaining peripheral IV access in pediatric patients and older adults is provided.

Reviewed by Stacey Van Gelderen, Full Professor, Minnesota State University Mankato on 12/21/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The Nursing Advanced Skills open resource is a comprehensive guide that caters to the evolving needs of today's healthcare professionals. The book successfully navigates the needs of pre-licensure nursing students, providing a valuable resource for both aspiring and seasoned nurses.

One of the standout features is its meticulous attention to detail. This resource was a collaboration of over 200 authors that delve into a wide array of advanced skills, from intricate patient assessments to complex medical procedures. The step-by-step approach ensures that nurses can grasp the nuances of each skill, fostering confidence and competence in their practice.

The strengths of this resource lie in its ability to bridge practical application and procedural skills by showing pictures and application videos for students to see the procedure conducted safely with aseptic techniques. Additional supplementary video content is also embedded in many of the skills.

The visuals, including diagrams and illustrations, deserve commendation. They serve as valuable aids in understanding complex procedures and anatomical structures. The incorporation of visual learning elements enhances the accessibility of the content, catering to various learning styles. Also included are quizzes and various activities to incorporate and promote application to patient care scenarios. This resource also provides a searchable term icon that jumps the learner to that skill, saving time for the learner.

In conclusion, Nursing Advanced Skills stands as a commendable resource for nurses seeking to enhance their proficiency in technical skills. Its thorough coverage, practical approach, and attention to real-world scenarios make it a valuable addition to any nurse's library.
 

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I have found the information accurate and unbiased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The book is divided into chapters and sub-sections that make it to jump to sections that are pertinent for topics when needed. With its current citations and resources, I do believe this open resource will be relevant for several years. At the end of each chapter, the authors provide a list of citations.

Clarity rating: 5

This text proves to be an appropriate reading level for a pre-licensure nursing course. There is a “how to” video on how to utilize the very helpful resource. The incorporation of visual learning elements enhances the accessibility of the content, catering to various learning styles. Also included are quizzes and various activities to incorporate and promote application to patient care scenarios. This resource also provides a searchable term icon that jumps the learner to that skill, saving time for the learner.

Consistency rating: 5

The book appears consistent in terminology and layout throughout. I appreciate the boxes and links in a consistent structure at the end of each material chapter or section. There is a content section on the left-hand side of the online version of the textbook that allows the learner to easily jump to needed areas of skill building. New terms are bolded and when the learner’s cursor hovers over the term, the definition pops up for clarity.

Modularity rating: 5

Modularity is among the many strengths of this book and the OpenRN structure overall.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

In terms of organization, the book follows a logical and coherent structure. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, creating a smooth progression of knowledge. This structure not only facilitates learning but also serves as a quick reference guide for busy students and healthcare professionals. Each chapter begins with an introduction and learning objectives to clearly describe the material and skills covered.

Interface rating: 5

The book and interface were easy to navigate and easy to use.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not notice any grammatical or spelling errors in this text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The content in this resource for advancing technical skills in nursing was relevant and needed material for pre-licensure students as they set prepare for professional clinical practice. Nothing in this text was offensive. The majority of the pictures and videos were of people of the Caucasian race.

Comments

I would recommend other professors to utilize this free and open-source material.